How McConnell Locked Trump In on Funding Bill

Playbook: “Around 3 p.m., McConnell walked the short distance from his Capitol office to the Senate floor. We were with a group of reporters, and his staff said he was about to speak on the floor.”

“Moments later, McConnell was at the Republican leader desk on the floor, and was standing, readying to speak. The only problem was Sen. Chuck Grassley was speaking, and didn’t want to stop. McConnell’s staff tried to get Grassley to yield, and he wouldn’t. Finally, he stopped speaking, and said, ‘I hope the next time I have the floor, I won’t be interrupted.'”

“McConnell then spoke, saying he had spoken to the president, and he would sign the bill. He then went to apologize to Grassley, who said McConnell was ‘simply rude’ for asking him to stop his speech. The two later made up.”

Fox News: “McConnell’s favorite expression is that ‘there’s no education in the second kick of a mule.’ No fool he, McConnell made sure he locked the President in, announcing Mr. Trump’s intentions publicly on the floor. That would bind the President to stand by his word.”