Chris Coons just appeared on Morning Joe and tiptoed up to that reality mentioning Mitch McConnell (in part to exculpate the majority leader for not negotiating). Coons initially attempted to leave McConnell out of the conversation highlighting the fact that Trump is unwilling to compromise and can’t come up with a “face-saving” exit.
Coons stated that the Democrats are trying to give Trump $1.3 billion for border security, but said that President would not take it. To his credit, Coons called the wall a “vanity project” a couple of times.
Under repeated questioning, Coons empathized with his GOP counterparts in the Senate and mentioned that Trump is a bad actor which makes it difficult to negotiate on his behalf.
“You can craft a comprise with Republicans only to have to have it blown up by the President. It is difficult for senators to negotiate on his behalf…That’s why Mitch McConnell is nowhere to be found in these negotiations.”
It wasn’t much, but it was a start. At least Chris Coons now recognizes that McConnell is not taking part in the process. But I still don’t understand the strategy of leaving McConnell off the hook.
