"They pissed in the punch bowl while we were still at the party" -Unnamed Senate Dem

In her discussion with Simon Rosenberg yesterday, Katie Phang reported hearing that from a Senate Democrat in re the 5 defectors.

Clearly, the shutdown "deal" has made our jobs harder than if they had held out until Thune jettisoned the filibuster.

However, we are far from "done for." As Simon points out, however things had played out, there is no version of what we face going forward where we won't have to do the hardest things we have ever done -- and that includes holding the criminals accountable when we win back power. (paraphrased)

In her Politics Chat yesterday, Heather Cox Richardson discussed a number of things that are coming together ("balls that are in play" -- it's worth hearing her go through them). While it is unclear how these balls will bounce around, we have more going for us than many seem to realize. (A point that Simon makes too.)

Heather Cox Richardson Nov 11
https://www.youtube.com/live/ICXBZ1X1UhU

And Simon's discussion with Katie Phang: