[LongWayHome]

Doubtful. He would lose Collins & Milkuski.

[Jim Noble]

Collins and Murkowski are definite no votes.

Donnelly will have to walk the plank to beat her. If he likes the Senate it’s a 49-49 tie, unless they can drag McCain in to vote no and Heitkamp is willing to fall on her sword.

[jpsb]

Doubtful. He would lose Collins & Milkuski.

Collin maybe I doubt he'll lose Milkuski. He might have to fly John McCain in for one last vote. This puts tremendous pressure on red state dems up for reelection. It is a brilliant move and Barrett will be a brilliant Judge. I am going love seeing a conservative Christian woman on the SC at last.

[Mrs. Don-o]

But the Democrats are defending seats in 10 states won by Trump in 2016. In about half of those states, Trump’s approval ratings are above 50 percent.

Under particular pressure to side with the president are the three red-state Democrats who voted for Justice Neil Gorsuch last year and face difficult reelection campaigns: Sens. Joe Manchin, Heidi Heitkamp, and Joe Donnelly.

So Trump may be shrewdly banking on getting a couple of Democratic votes who can put this nomination over the top even if he loses two female turncoat Republicans.

Can't deny Trump is a pretty shrewd son-of-a-gun.