You’re saying McConnell would rather have a senator out in Montana rather than have all 51 asses in their seats?
I just read your other responses. I’m still not sure I understand (or believe) how this is preferable to having the entire caucus present to vote. Otherwise why not just have one senator sit in the parking lot while his vote is paired with somebody voting “present”?
lright, we’re both together on Mitch’s job being to ensure that there is a quorum for the vote.
“rather than have all 51 asses in their seats?”
Ah, but would Murk BE in her seat?
(Say all the Dems walk out, leaving Booker and Harris in the hallway to be pictured dragged into the chamber by the white Seargents-at-arms, would Murk’s baby-killer donors allow her to stay?)
By getting her to pair her vote Mitch gets both her and Daines counted towards the quorum. All Murk gets out of this is some cover, she didn’t sound happy about it. But it’s better than nothing.
Mitch couldn’t make this deal if Daines wasn’t absent. So I assume Daines is not being a fool, but following orders.