Moderation is an ugly word for both parties right now. The two most conservative Senate Democrats Sinema (now an independent who causes with Democrats) and manchin are not loved by the Democratic base. That frustration with moderation is on the republican side too. Any republicans who work with Democrats to elect a speaker will get primaried. I don’t think any republicans will “defect to protect” themselves. I think they’ll work with Democrats just because they know how bad it’ll be for America, and their party, if the government shuts down.
Moderation is an ugly word for both parties right now. The two most conservative Senate Democrats Sinema (now an independent who causes with Democrats) and manchin are not loved by the Democratic base. That frustration with moderation is on the republican side too. Any republicans who work with Democrats to elect a speaker will get primaried. I don’t think any republicans will “defect to protect” themselves. I think they’ll work with Democrats just because they know how bad it’ll be for America, and their party, if the government shuts down.