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By now, it has occurred to President Donald Trump that if he lets Congress do what it wants, it will do nothing. Any legislation he proposes will end up DOA, a casualty of gridlock.
Hence the brilliance of his DACA decision.
If the Democrats don't work constructively with the GOP to produce a real piece of legislation, the deadline of the expiring Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program will force them into line.
Facing the possible deportation of 800,000 of their constituents because of Democratic intransigence, the party - from Chuck Schumer on down - will have to pull in its horns so as to not impale a divided Republican party.
By now, it has occurred to President Donald Trump that if he lets Congress do what it wants, it will do nothing. Any legislation he proposes will end up DOA, a casualty of gridlock.
Hence the brilliance of his DACA decision.
If the Democrats don't work constructively with the GOP to produce a real piece of legislation, the deadline of the expiring Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program will force them into line.
Facing the possible deportation of 800,000 of their constituents because of Democratic intransigence, the party - from Chuck Schumer on down - will have to pull in its horns so as to not impale a divided Republican party.
Instead, the entire Senate - all 100 members - will have to work together with stellar bipartisanship to craft a solution. The Senate will function as it is supposed to.
The likely solution will be very similar, in all likelihood, to the Gang of Eight proposal that was such a hot potato during the 2016 election. "Dreamers" will have to show that they have no criminal record, have not been on welfare, and have learned English to be able to stay.
If the Democrats balk at any of the GOP conditions, the default solution is 800,000 deportations, an unacceptable alternative to their party. All the leverage will be on the side of the Republicans.
Conversely, with a solid Democratic Party supporting legislation to legitimize the "Dreamers," enough RINO votes will be available to pass the legislation, whether or not conservatives come on board.
These "Republicans in name only" will be motivated by a desire to get on the right side of history and not to incur the wrath of the immigrant community and its massive Latino vote share. The conservatives can satisfy their base by voting no without damage to the Party's reputation. The Democrats will do the heavy lifting.
At the same time, Trump skated on the tough question of how to deal with the DACA issue and stay faithful to his campaign pledges and his base.
He did just what he said he'd do. He overruled and repealed DACA. But he did so in a way that opens the door to a Republican courtship of the Latino vote.
Deft move. Good move.
Dick Morris, who served as adviser to former Sen. Trent Lott (R-Miss.) and former President Clinton, is the author of 16 books, including his latest, Screwed and Here Come the Black Helicopters.