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We’ve seen this result before, but here’s some confirmation from a recent CBS poll. If you ask Democrats if their politicians should stick to their guns come hell or high water, virtually no one thinks that’s a good idea. Compromise reigns supreme. Ask Republicans, and you get a very sizeable chunk who are ready to die for every hill — and, undoubtedly, ready to punish any politicians who aren’t. I’m not sure that a single poll question can explain Washington all by itself, but if there is one, this is it. Republicans are scared of their base; Democrats aren’t.
