I don't understand what Republican senators are afraid of.

[asahi]

@Lamoral

This is inaccurate. In the eyes of his own people, he’s done something that’s more satisfying than any conceivable policy on immigration, taxes, trade, or anything else. He causes liberal tears. That’s one campaign promise that he definitely delivered on, in fact, he was delivering on it before he was even elected. His base absolutely eats this up. I’ve heard it over and over from Trump supporters: “I love how he absolutely causes the left to melt down!” And they really do love it. It’s entertainment to them, just as much as watching football or a Netflix series or listening to music. They really, really love it.

If one day, suddenly all your Netflix and Hulu and Amazon Prime series disappeared, all the songs in your music library ceased to exist, wouldn’t you vote for the guy who promised to bring them all back?

Whether or not this situation is a desirable state of affairs for American politics is a separate question entirely. The fact remains that the situation exists.

But it’s more substantive than causing liberal tears – there are goods being delivered.

Trump is remaking the federal judiciary - that’s not just liberal tears, that’s a bulwark against things like “fight for fifteen” and “Medicare for All”. We’re looking at the most conservative federal judiciary since pre-1935.

Trump is curbing immigration, keeping out the browns - both legal and illegal.

And he made billionaires into multi-billionaires with his tax cuts.

Trump isn’t just symbolic; he’s implementing a new reality, one that millions will vote for.

[Acsenray]

Trump and his followers aren’t just a threat to their re-elections. Their entires lives are subject o his whims.

Vox: “Lamar Alexander and the power of right-wing political correctness”

Lamar Alexander and the power of right-wing political correctness

To put it another way, many Republicans exist in a social world where criticizing Donald Trump is an act of cultural treason. Bucking Trump doesn’t merely risk their congressional seat, but also their ability to find future employment and live comfortably in their communities even after retiring. Alberta describes profound fears of Trump’s “cult,” of “harassment of their families, loss of standing in local communities, [and] estranged relationships.”

[Hari_Seldon]

McConnell could take away all their committee assignments, take their office away and assign to one at the bottom of a DC sewer and otherwise make like unlivable for them.

[Bijou_Drains]

Like 95% of people in DC they are worried about losing their cushy high paying job.

[asahi]

@Hari_Seldon

McConnell could take away all their committee assignments, take their office away and assign to one at the bottom of a DC sewer and otherwise make like unlivable for them.

People kinda, sorta might understand Susan Collins’ situation and knowing that Maine is never a lock for Republicans, they might be inclined to give her some leeway in terms of occasionally giving the appearance of being fair and bipartisan. Lamar Alexander can’t get away with that in Deep South Tennessee. Alexander saw what happened to Bob Corker. Alexander might not have to lose in the direct sense, but he’d lose status. He’d run the risk of losing out on lobbying and consulting.

Anyone who lived out in California during the 2000s remember their anti-tax pledge and that if anyone dared to cross party lines, they’d be targeted by right wing groups. It’s a similar mentality in Washington now. Individual legislators are not free to be their own man or woman. They serve their masters…or else.