Think about it this way, though: McConnell has no fear of losing his position and prestige because, if he plays the game, he will retain his seat in the new era of controlled election outcomes. The fact that he and the entirety of the GOP is roundly hated by the majority of (formerly) Republican voters is not a factor in his decision making. We have to stop thinking that normal political rules apply and that, somehow, “normal service” will be resumed. We are in a new reality.
That’s true, but it’s a ratcheting up of the former status quo. Did you hear Biden’s nominee for Sec of Defense lining up a purge of the military on ideological grounds? This is like nothing we’ve seen before in America, even under Obama. This is the naked wielding of power. The GOPe has accepted its role as a very junior partner in the One Party State.
They’re being tasked with a demoralization and containment program