5) Only One Side Will Divide

Democrats clearly didn’t plan well for the contingency that Republicans might bring up piecemeal bills to fund popular programs, such as cancer research, veterans benefits, and national guard pay and force uncomfortable votes. Reid had a bad on-camera moment when discussing the cancer bill earlier this week, and Senate Democrats are taking hits for refusing to consider the bills, which would result in Obama having to choose whether to sign or veto them. Worse for House Democrats, they’re actually having to go to the floor to cast votes that could be used in the next campaign.

House Republicans pointed out Thursday that 57 House Democrats have broken ranks so far on one or more of the targeted bills. Democrats say the members who need to vote “yes” to protect their electoral futures have been able to do so — but these votes are tough enough they could suddenly make a lawmaker politically vulnerable.