By Matt Underwood Maxwell Frost: 20 House Republicans a ‘no’ on ‘big, beautiful bill’ – The headlines are buzzing, and the air is thick with the anticipation of political theater. Right now, the focus is on a “big, beautiful bill,” and the surprising stance of 20 House Republicans. But let’s be real, how much of this is genuine opposition and how much is a carefully choreographed performance?
The reality, as many suspect, is that the “no” votes are strategically planned, perhaps with a little wink and a nod among the party members. It’s all part of a well-worn playbook: create the illusion of dissent, put on a show for the base, and then, at the eleventh hour, fall in line. This is what some people have called a memory hole, a way to ensure the right-wing voters don’t have to remember these Republicans voted for the bill. The goal? To make it appear as though they fought against it.
It’s disheartening, frankly, to see this play out. The same old story of self-interest over the greater good. For some, it boils down to a waiting game. What price will be paid to get these votes? Some are waiting to be bribed. It’s a depressing cycle of pretending to be on the side of the people, while actively working against their interests. There is no real surprise here.
The question isn’t whether the bill will pass but how much “theater” we’ll have to endure before it does. It is hard to believe that these supposed holdouts will not capitulate to their cult leader, especially since there is no reason to do otherwise.
The language employed by some on the topic isn’t mincing words, either. It’s a description of the situation. It’s the language one might use to describe the current political climate, where the very word “fascists” should be prominently displayed, when referring to a group of people.
The expected scenario is they’ll all be in lockstep as soon as the “Orange King” issues the order. Some are holding out for “carve outs” for their districts. It’s all about the individual gain, not the collective good. The idea of primary challenges for those who aren’t toeing the line seems like a distant hope.
The underlying sentiment is one of deep cynicism. It’s a view of the GOP as a cult, where there’s no genuine interest in governance or representation. It’s all about messaging, about keeping the base riled up and the money flowing.
The fact that some Republicans are opposing certain changes in the Senate, and it might come down to their personal greed, will cause them to do whatever is asked of them.
The core argument is the anticipation of the inevitable; the vote of approval, and the eventual passage of the bill. The expectation is that those holding out will, one by one, succumb to the pressure, the promises, and the implicit threats, that come with political power.
The headlines that celebrate this potential stand are seen as misleading, designed to drive up viewership. The sentiment is, that the headlines should tell it like it is: “House GOP are willing to make millions of Americans suffer with this bill”.
There is very little hope for a genuine turn of events. If any of them do decide to vote against the bill, it won’t be for noble reasons; it’ll be because the bill isn’t bad enough for them. Some feel for West Virginia, a place where a lot of the population needs assistance. Their grand daddies fought in WW2. And today many people are just trying to survive. Removing Medicaid in those conditions is cruel.
The entire episode is painted as a performance: “After speaking to Donnie, these 20 no will become yes due to the “Orange King greatest negotiating skill”….already made for Fox TV moment.” The consensus seems to be: don’t expect any heroes, especially not from that side of the aisle.