The GOP is relearning one of the hardest lessons in politics

Who knew governing could be so complicated?

It's not easy being in power
(Image credit: State of the Art / Alamy Stock Photo)

This Friday, one of two things will happen: Either the federal government will shut down, or Republicans will bow and make a deal with Democrats to keep things functioning. Either way, it will be a remarkable embarrassment for President Trump and his party, even as they enjoy unified control of both the executive and legislative branch.

Indeed, this week Trump and the Republicans are relearning one of the perennially forgotten lessons of American politics: Governing is hard.

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Jeff Spross

Jeff Spross was the economics and business correspondent at TheWeek.com. He was previously a reporter at ThinkProgress.