I do think that Republicans are flirting with their tax cut, which has always been the narcotic of Republicans, that they in fact have to at some point, with any remote pretense of candor, abandon any pretense of a balanced budget.I mean, they talk about - because they are going to finance the tax cut by tax cuts. That's how they're going to do it. And I do think that the will is there right now in the Congress to act. I think they will be as close to unity as you will see on Capitol Hill this year.
Mark ShieldsWhen the size of the group supporting your cause reaches a critical mass, any legislator or elected official has to pay attention.
Mark ShieldsThat's the job of a free press is to hold the lamp up, to investigate, to hold accountable. And denying access, as Sean Spicer did , is the first step toward a dictatorship.
Mark ShieldsThey're still a subject beholden to special interests, but at least they have a national constituency. At least they have to think about national majorities.
Mark ShieldsYou have to understand that Republicans are on lockstep on one issue. They will not raise taxes. Democrats are in lockstep on another issue, pro-choice in all cases on abortion.
Mark Shields