Trump Steps Up Pressure on Democrats

Playbook: “The White House sent a bunch of moderate House Democrats invitations to meet with the president… The idea is twofold: The White House is trying to show activity and is trying to look reasonable by hosting “negotiation” meetings. In a practical sense, it is also a play to try and build pressure on Speaker Nancy Pelosi.”

“We’re In uncharted waters here, since this is now by far the longest shutdown ever. It’s also the most intractable negotiation we’ve ever seen. So it stands to reason that the White House is trying to do something — anything — to unlock the negotiation. We’re skeptical this will work, at least immediately, because the House isn’t the Senate.”

“Any deal will have to be a Pelosi-Schumer-Trump production. Getting a few moderates to moan will grab cable headlines, but won’t change the fact that most House Democrats remain firmly opposed to President Trump and his wall, and Pelosi understands that better than anyone.”