Nancy Pelosi has been absolutely right in insisting that any stimulus has to be on her terms, because it would be perceived as a victory for Trump, and would help him make his case for re-election. But the economy is struggling, and the effects of a stimulus approved today wouldn’t be felt until after the election is over. In addition, Biden’s lead looks insurmountable, barring massive vote suppression and unlawful judicial intervention on Trump’s behalf. Does that change things?
In my opinion, yes. Mitch and the GOP senators have already given up on Trump and moved into 2009 sabotage mode. Any suitably large stimulus would have to be approved over their objections. A Trump stimulus bill primarily supported by Democrats would consequently crack the GOP wide open. If you’re a GOP voter, do you follow Trump or McConnell on Election Day? It would demoralize the base and cause massive confusion in the red camp.
There would be some risk involved, but only vote suppression can win the election for Trump at this point. The man on golf cart will have no interest in stimulus after the election, which means no relief until 2021, and then only if the Democrats win the Senate, too. The changing circumstances, in my view, justify the risk. Make a deal with Trump, and watch the fur fly!