The analogy isn’t perfect, since judges and legislators perform different functions, but it occurred to me today that McConnell and the Chief Justice actually have a lot in common. Both of them are strong right-wing partisans, of course, but you can make deals with them. Both of them play the long game; they will retreat when they think it is necessary to preserve something more important, even if it means they take criticism from their own side. Both are greatly concerned about the workings and public image of the body that they lead. Finally, it is likely that both of them want to use the judiciary to put an enduring impediment in front of any future progressive legislation.
Will they prevail? Don’t bet against them in the short run. In the longer run, if they don’t give considerably more ground, trouble is brewing. Millennials aren’t going to tolerate a system that frustrates their agenda forever.