NPR: Don't believe the hype: Low-key lawmakers helped avert a debt ceiling crisis

[TwilightZone]

"In a time when cynicism about politics seems to be everyone's gut reaction, it's easy to overlook the role of lower-profile lawmakers who helped avert a debt-ceiling crisis.

Just don't call them "moderates."

"Moderates?" tweeted Rep. Dusty Johnson, R-S.D., one of the lead negotiators of the debt-ceiling deal that passed the House overwhelmingly Wednesday night. He prefers the descriptor: "pragmatic conservatives who actually care about getting to work."

Johnson, who looks more Bill Gates than Matt Gaetz, represents about 75 GOP members as chairman of the "Republican Main Street Caucus."

It's one of what this Congress' Republicans colloquially refer to as the mafioso-themed "Five Families." The Main Street Caucus, and a host of other coalitions in the middle, like the "New Democrat Coalition" on the other side of the aisle, were critical in securing support for the deal."

(snip)

"Call them perhaps the Silent Middle Majority."

https://www.npr.org/2023/06/01/1179367537/debt-ceiling-congress-bipartisan-vote-biden-mccarthy

[no_hypocrisy]

1. MAGA Republicans in the House had delusions they had the final say.

They were in charge. They could mete out retribution. They were The Furies.

Not quite.

[bullimiami]

2. I guess their subscription to Kevin expired. He knows they wont have to votes to oust him.

[agingdem]

3. and he knows the Dems will swoop in and save Kevin's

ass which makes Kev and the GOP so-called moderates beholding to Hakeem Jeffries..life is good!

[comradebillyboy]

4. I was very disappointed that my rep voted against

the deal.

[TwilightZone]

6. There was a lot of tactical voting.

It seems everyone in the House knew it was going to pass easily, so various members could vote one way or another either to score political points with their constituents or to grandstand a bit and not impact the final result.

[Johnny2X2X]

5. They are not moderates

They decided to avoid a disaster for our economy, but each and everyone of them still supports ending our democracy, they no longer thing the people should self govern.