Why do people still insist as seeing Trump and the GoP as brilliant Machiavellian schemers when this past year has proved that they are anything but?
I meant it half in jest. But McConnel, while not as good as his reputation, is a pretty decent political operator.
All I know is that if I'm a Republican strategist looking at this from 10,000 feet I'm pretty happy with how tonight turned out. The party isn't burdened with a 15% approval rating health care bill, isn't blamed for everything that goes wrong in health care going forward. The party won't face a revolt of the base, or a ton of futile tea party primary challenges, because the senator who spectacularly stabbed Republicans in the back isn't running for re-election. If you don't actually care about Obamacare repeal it's close to ideal.
Of course, it's close to ideal for Democrats, too. And sick people.