The Long Game

To make a difference in DC, you have to be able to see the long game.  Obama saw the long game.  McConnell sees it.

Donald Trump does not see it.

Right now, he's attacking Paul Ryan through surrogates for the failure of the American Shit Sandwich Act.  He's also attacking important conservative interest groups.  This is because he is a petulant child.

If Lord Smallgloves Babypants goes after Ryan more directly, exactly why should Paul Ryan protect Donald Trump?  It would start with Ryan ruefully - he does fake sincerity SOOOO well - saying that, indeed, Devin Nunes is a hack, and we need an independent, bipartisan commission to look into this Russia thing.  It ends with the complete rupture of the GOP caucus.

However, there are GOP Congressmen who get the long game.

Keep an eye on Tom Cotton.  He established his wingnut bona fides early.  He's already moving to the center - at least rhetorically - to emerge from the wreckage of the Trump Regency.