Kyrsten Sinema has been planning this move for years. She’s been openly moving toward this with every hypocritical, self-serving move she’s made. This has been the most cynical marketing effort in American politics and the worst kept secret in D.C.

She hasn’t been a Democrat for years but even “independent” is inaccurate. That word suggests an openness. Sinema’s true political affiliation is herself. Her own narcissism is her political party. Her entire platform is her self-preservation.

@charlotteclymer

The question here is, what do Dems do?

I don't mean here, because that's baked in and nothing anyone can do about it. Warnock's win helps and still retains the majority. Unless Manchin bolts too. Which is not an impossible outcome.

So Dems still need to play nice with Sinema and Manchin. Also, 2024 is going to have a lot of Dems on ticket. Dems want to retain that majority. Preferably even increase it.

So, as angry at Sinema as we all might be, she still has leverage.