@rst i agree that n-dimensional chess games in US politics usually turn out to be just wishful thinking. and i am definitely wishful thinking. but we’ll soon see if it’s just that.

if Biden really does pretty fully cave (can McCarthy afford anything less, which would mean Democrats stepping in to provide the votes the freedom caucus withholds?), what would be left of him politically? if extortionists win, in his own coalitions’ eyes, it’s like letting Russia win. it emboldens the worst people.