This is about personalities, not ideology. You can break them down as follows:
- COMPLETE NIHILISTS: The system is completely broken, so let’s destroy it, stop worrying about who gets hurt, and see what happens! EXAMPLES: Most of the members of the Freedom Caucus.
- OPPORTUNISTIC NIHILISTS: If I absolutely have to, I will vote to keep the government functioning and to avoid a default. I would prefer not to in order to appease the counterrevolutionary base. As for any other constructive efforts to legislate, forget it. EXAMPLES: Too numerous to mention.
- KEEP THE LIGHTS ON: I will always vote to pay our debts and keep the government open, but that’s it if a Democrat is in the White House. EXAMPLE: Mitch McConnell.
- OCCASIONALLY CONSTRUCTIVE MEMBERS: Every once in a while, I will show an interest in efforts to expand the welfare state, particularly for children. I will also vote for a Democratic judicial nominee some of the time. EXAMPLES: Mitt Romney; Susan Collins.
The key issue I am illustrating here is what the GOP will do with regard to the debt ceiling and government shutdowns if they win the 2022 elections. There is little reason to believe the fourth group will expand. The first group is beyond hope. Will the majority be in the second or third group? TBD.