[chiller]

Much of this boils down to feared damage to the R numbers in the house. Could a shutdown cause loss of the Hour of Representatives and all that goes with it ?

There are too many R cowards afraid of bad PR from mainstream media, while elections following shutdowns show little or no losses. People forget, especially 15 months out.

Weigh the fears against the benefits of reduced spending, wasted Ukraine dollars, and the border. I believe you are correct about McCarthy's survival after 45 days, but I hope for conservative Rs to push it hard and shut it down. None of these failures can be laid at the feet of Rs.

[Alas Babylon!]

There are too many R cowards afraid of bad PR from mainstream media...

So true, but...

Bad PR from mainstream media is ALL they'll ever get. "Eat me last, Mr. Crocodile."