If you missed last night’s show, you might not realize that today was intended to be a momentous day in the history of the United States — at least according to some strange right-wing activists with grandiose ambitions.
The initiative was called Operation American Spring — the American version of the Arab Spring — which according to organizers, was supposed to deploy 10 to 30 million Americans, all of whom would descend on our nation’s capital for an unprecedented protest, which would force America’s elected leaders from office, effectively overthrowing the government.
If you take the phrase “10 to 30 million Americans” literally, Operation American Spring was a great success, at least insofar as more than 10 people did, in fact, show up. Regrettably for the far-right, however, not much more (thanks to my colleague Julia Nutter for the heads-up).
Operation American Spring, billed as a Friday morning multi-million patriot march on Washington, D.C., to oust leadership from the nation’s capital — from President Obama to House Speaker John Boehner — has proven woefully below expectations.“It’s a very dismal turnout,” said Jackie Milton, 61, a Jacksboro, Texas, resident and the head of Texans for Operation American Spring, to The Washington Times. He said hopes were high when he arrived in Alexandria, Va., a day or so ago and found motels and hotels were sold out for 30 miles around.
It’s worth noting that it rained in Washington, D.C., earlier today — I’ll look forward to televangelists suggesting this was a sign that God disapproves of Operation American Spring — which may have dampened turnout, but it’s safe to say that even under the clearest of skies, these folks weren’t going to rally 30 million people.
Or 1 percent of 30 million. Or 0.1 percent of 30 million. Or 0.01 percent of 30 million. By some measures, they did manage to pull together 0.001 percent of 30 million.
Supporters tried to put a positive spin on their failure, suggesting some folks might show up tomorrow, despite six months of organizing that told people to come today.
The weather likely delayed some from showing, he said. But as the sun comes out, and the weekend weather dawns balmy, more could show, he said.
Until then, it appears the nation’s elected leaders will stay in office a little longer.
[Update: It looks like Allan Brauer got to that “10 to 30 million” joke before I did.]
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Steve Benen is a producer for "The Rachel Maddow Show," the editor of MaddowBlog and an MS NOW political contributor. He's also the bestselling author of "Ministry of Truth: Democracy, Reality, and the Republicans' War on the Recent Past."