The Republicans don't care if the federal government collapses and non-rich people are screwed. Democrats can be extorted to do anything to keep the federal government functioning and taking care of non-rich people.
Because of this, and the implacability of the Rs there is no ability of the Ds to negotiate from a position of strength.
If the Rs had any sense of history, decency, political courage, or were able and willing to fulfill their oath of office, that'd be be fine. But they don't have any of that and thus, they are like the lone wolf assassination killer = able to penetrate all the defenses of decent people.
You can't negotiate with them. And you really can't defend against them.
