Did Dems make a strategic mistake by not ...

[onenote]

50. And the Democratic leadership has adamantly been opposed to negotiating

so maybe they know that there aren't any moderates to negotiate with (apart from Fitzpatrick who is a coalition of one).

Womack: moderate? Opposed to same sex marriage, voted against the Respect for Marriage Act, strongly anti-choice, believes life begins at conception, voted against legislation requiring publication of presidential tax returns (five repubs voted for it, none are currently in Congress). Just the tip of the iceberg of the long list of bills in which he joined with around 200 other Republicans (including the Freedom Caucus members) to oppose legislation supported by Democrats.

Upton -- Not in Congress, no leverage. If he was a serious negotiating partner for any republicans, someone would have nominated him or at least voted for him.

Joyce -- voted 31 times to repeal ACA, strongly anti-choice, "A" rating from the NRA.

So what sort of deal do you think could have been struck with these folks, all of whom have sided with McCarthy and the rest of the Republican caucus, including the Freedom Caucus members on virtually every consequential piece of legislation. Who would become speaker? What would the Democrats get for supporting a anti-choice, anti-gun control, pro-Trump republican?

It boggles the mind to think that some people believe there was a deal to be made that either side could live with.