Tantrums: Democrats Are Refusing to End the Shutdown by Boycotting Meetings at the White House

Townhall.com ^ | January 15, 2019 | Katie Pavlich

[MV=PY]

"I’ve been saying for a while that the most likely scenario is that Repubs in the Senate will fold."

What difference would that make? Trump has to sign the budget.

[be-baw]

“What difference would that make? Trump has to sign the budget.”

They would need enough votes to override a veto.

[MV=PY]

"They would need enough votes to override a veto."

That doesn't seem too likely to me.

I think, eventually, Trump and Pelosi will reach agreement in some way that allows Pelosi to save face.

I believe that is Trump's plan... the art of the deal.

In order to negotiate effectively you need to show that you're willing to walk away. Basic stuff to a good business person.

[bert]

——that allows Pelosi to save face.——

No, she must be relieved of the notion that she as speaker possesses the power of the Presidency.

[MV=PY]

"No, she must be relieved of the notion that she as speaker possesses the power of the Presidency."

In a perfect world.

She does possess the power of the budget.

But Trump (I think) wants to be re-elected. He won't win long term by trying to destroy her. Instead, he can gain middle of the road voters with a partial "reasonable" win.

What we're watching now is two negotiators huffing and puffing before they get down to it. Each is betting that the shutdown will put more time pressure on the other.

Personally, I would love to see Trump hold the line and furlough a bunch of "non-essential" workers. I just don't believe it will end that way.