This is exactly what I’ve been wondering. If Democrats from red districts go very public with their votes against Pelosi and Obama’s directives, I think they’d have a hard time losing against a more liberal Democrat or a Republican.
If Pelosi can strongarm 10-12 of the 40 or so Dogs she can let the rest “vote their conscience” and still come away with a 218=217; 220-215 win. The 30 Dogs go home saying they tried their best and DNC cuts off funding for any possible primary challenger. I think this comes down to 10 to 15 people.