Democratic Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer is plunging ahead with his plan to help Donald Trump pass a gigantic infrastructure plan. One apparent reason for this decision is a misunderstanding about how public opinion works — a mistaken belief that Democratic senators will get credit for working with Trump, when in reality the primary credit will flow to Trump, and the secondary credit to Republicans in Congress, even those who might oppose popular bills. But an additional reason for this strategy is a failure to understand the priorities of the Republican Party. Not only Senate Democrats but also other liberals — including some critical of their strategy — believe they are cleverly outflanking the Republican conservatives who hope to enact a radical right-wing domestic agenda. In reality, they are playing directly into their hands.
Read Full Article »