This Week Was a Reminder for Republicans

Playbook: “The whole saga is a reminder, especially for Republican leadership, of what things will be like with Trump back in office. For the last few years, Congress has gotten used to a fairly hands-off approach from the president in their negotiations.”

“It’s clear that’s all over…”

“At the same time, the spectacle raises new doubts about all the talk of complete GOP unity after the election, as intraparty squabbles burst directly into view. Dozens of GOP lawmakers defied the incoming president, and roughly three dozen House Republicans voted against the bill, which was backed by more Democrats than members of the GOP.”

New York Times:  “The episode demonstrated a well-established pattern by Mr. Trump. He often purposely blew up congressional negotiations during his first term, often with a tweet, only to be forced to retreat or give up his position in the face of an angry reaction from both allies and adversaries.”