Here’s an interesting video clip of Senator Rand Paul (R., Ky.) discussing shutdown strategy with a miked-up Mitch McConnell (R., Ky.) on Wednesday following the minority leader’s meeting at the White House. Paul, who had just finished taping a segment on CNN, tells McConnell he thinks Democrats are making a political mistake by refusing to negotiate.
“I don’t think they poll-tested ‘We won’t negotiate,’” Paul says. “I think it’s awful for them to say that over and over again.” McConnell agrees, and notes that President Obama and Democratic leaders reiterated their position privately during the White House meeting.
Paul adds that Republicans can seize the political high-ground by simply being seen as the party open to compromise. “I think if we keep saying ‘We wanted to defund [Obamacare], we fought for that, but now we’re willing to compromise on this. . . . Well, I know we don’t want to be here, but we’re going to win this, I think.”
https://youtube.com/watch?v=eziI4h3J0Eg