Re: Defending Cao
The fact that Cao represents a horrible district and will probably not be re-elected should have liberated him to do the right thing -- without regard for political considerations. The fact that he will probably not be re-elected should have reinforced his decision to vote "no" -- instead, it persuaded him to vote "aye".
Appeasement, of course, never works. Does Cao really think Democrats will reward him for this? Does he really think Democrats in Louisiana will prefer a squishy Republican over a real liberal Democrat?
Cao's vote has serious implications, inasmuch as it provides Democrats with the rhetorical cover to argue this was a bipartisan bill.
Make no mistake, this was a legacy vote. Cao had one term to make his legacy. ... And he has.