March 15 will be an important day.

[David Horn]

(04-20-2017, 08:55 AM)Bob Butler 54 Wrote: The main stream media in the form of CNN are still projecting the end of April rather than March 15 as the crucial time.  See Government shutdown: What we know so far.  CNN doesn't seem to be pushing panic buttons yet.  From their perspective, Trump hasn't weighed in heavily yet, which would be the largest potential monkey wrench, though they report the leadership in both parties, in both sides of Congress, are in heavy duty dickering mode.

They also suggest that the Republicans can't count on the Freedom Caucus, thus they need some Democratic votes.  On health care, the last minute changes tried and failed to appease the Freedom Caucus.  This time, they seem to be looking to the Democrats.

Somehow, I doubt it.  Yes, there may be some negotiation after the deed is done and Trump-Ryan start asking, what now?  Until then, the FC is still the stopper in the bottle, and they enjoy the power they have.  If Ryan has to go around the FC to get the government funded, then it's WW-III in the House for the foreseeable future. 

The GOP seems incapable of being a ruling party.  If that continues, we're in for more gridlock and an ineffective Presidency.  Trump can't stand that, so it will be a good time to get that popcorn popping.  The downside: there is virtually no chance the Senate will flip in 2018, and only a 50/50 chance in the House.  This dysfunctional play may have a long engagement.  Let's hope no more Justices decide to retire or die.