The Point: What Pelosi seems to understand better than past Trump political opponents is that giving ANY ground is a mistake. You have to not only stand firm, but be willing to go beyond all political norms -- like canceling the SOTU -- to win. Which is what Pelosi did this week. Twice.

Good post.

Pelosi is not afraid to wield it. It is her right and duty to wield it.

Trump caved when it became clear air travel was breaking down.
Airports and the internet, the two weak links to attack if you want to get their attention. They care nothing for human suffering but will lay down to protect engines of commerce.

Some keep insisting that a very small percentage of Americans and freight is important, in the larger scope of things, it isn't. What happened was that IRS employees that were called back to work without pay called in sick in large numbers, so much that tax return checks were seriously at risk. In addition, food stamps expired net week if the shutdown continued through that date, the expiration would have hurt a large segment of Trump's base. Trump folded because he saw damage that would happen to his standing if he allowed the shutdown to continue longer. One thing that democratic leaders should have maybe insisted on is that food stamps expire on the very day Trump shutdown the government if he tries that shit again.

In three week, if there is no agreement, my guess is Trump tried his national emergency ruse. But democrats can counter in court over him redefining appropriations from Congress, and with the logic that if there was in fact an emergency, why hasn't Trump called it long ago.