Republicans are getting trumped by internal divide, not the president

The accepted spin on last week's Oval Office showdown between Republicans and President Trump is that Trump handed Democrats a major political victory.

But Republican internal divisions, not Trump, gave Democrats the bargaining power in the debate over how long to suspend the nation's borrowing limit, and it will continue to give Democrats the upper hand as Republicans try to move their faltering agenda in the weeks ahead.

The Republican plan to pass tax reform, a possible infrastructure bill, and implement federal spending reforms all face internal division that could end up stalling the GOP agenda and leaving President Trump with the sole option of turning to Democrats to get anything done.

The first test could come as early as the next few weeks, when House Republicans hope to begin consideration of the fiscal 2018 budget, which will serve as the legislative vehicle for tax reform, now the GOP's No. 1 goal.

Even last week, GOP leaders weren't sure whether they had enough support within their own party to pass a budget. They spent the August recess trying to shore up support for the proposal, but there is opposition from conservatives who are demanding more stringent spending reforms, while moderates say the plan cuts too much.