Even with early public opinion on their side, however, it’s far from certain that the Republican budget bill will be the political winner Democrats hope.

After nearly 20 hours straight of working the phones – using both threats and assurances to cajole Republicans into supporting his sweeping domestic agenda bill – President Donald Trump seemed to grow exasperated while watching coverage of the plodding floor process on television.

In the Senate, Trump’s influence was more muted. His volatile relationship with Republican Sen. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska prevented him from swaying her. Instead, he relied on allies in Congress, as well as his legislative team, to get the bill over the finish line by offering Murkowski aid for her state.