Republicans Know They’re Losing But Won’t Fold Yet

John Harwood: “President Trump’s lunchtime prediction to broadcasters on Tuesday was right. His televised speech didn’t change a ‘damn thing’ about the government shutdown. He’s still losing the fight.”

“Yet even restless Republicans on Capitol Hill remain wary of simply folding a losing hand. Their fear of a backlash from Trump stalwarts, and of emboldening Democrats, prods them to hold out a little longer.”

Explained Rep. Tom Cole (R-OK): “Pelosi and Schumer cannot obtain absolute victory unless we give it to them. As much as I detest government shutdowns, I do not think we will. And I do not think we should.”