Feuding Leaders

Heather Caygle, Burgess Everett and Melanie Zanona at Politico:

It’s a tried and true tradition in politics for leaders to harangue the other side publicly while quietly working behind the scenes to clinch a bipartisan deal. But the institution is hindered by the interpersonal relationships — or lack thereof — between the four leaders.

For Pelosi and McConnell, there are still hard feelings over how the last round of coronavirus negotiations played out. Pelosi and McCarthy have a limited working relationship, while Schumer and McConnell are standoffish at the best of times.

That dynamic makes governing in ordinary times a challenge. But now, some lawmakers note, the consequences are literally life and death. While party leaders bicker, critical funds for small businesses, hospitals and state and local governments are running out.

“Mitch McConnell doesn’t talk to anybody on our side of the aisle,” fumed Sen. Jon Tester (D-Mont.). “This is a serious, serious problem. We’re in the middle of a pandemic … come on, man.”

“Why won’t [Pelosi] allow more money?” McCarthy asked reporters Thursday. “I cannot understand a scenario where you want to play politics with that. There’s no explanation. All they have to do is say ‘yes’ today.”