Current polling shows this to be perceived as a classic spitting match, with Trump getting the lion's share of the "blame" and Pelosi also seen as culpable. But, according to William McGurn in this morning's WSJ, only 4 -5 % of those polled are blaming Republicans in Congress.
It is time to acknowledge once again what a boon Mitch McConnell has been to the conservative cause. He prevented Judge Garland from being placed on the Supreme Court, and he helped shepherd the tax bill that's fueling the jobs boom. And now he holds the cards in this shutdown, refusing to schedule any Senate vote to re-open the government that Trump won't sign. He's effectively taking the heat off of Senate Republicans so Trump can continue making his case on the issue of border security. Trump may eventually have to fold, but not before it's clear beyond all doubt that the Dems not only oppose the wall, but border security generally. That's an issue that the GOP can put before the voters, both to rally the base and to expand it.
Mitch McConnell has become a true lion of the Senate.
