Sounds like you and I are in relative alignment. I think most people are reasonable thinking as well. It’s the nuts on the far right and the far left making meaningful discussion impossible.

I don’t see it as bargaining down though. You can’t bargain down when the other side refuses to come to the table in the first place. You have to force them to the table first. I see the escalations of things like liability insurance and going after the manufacturers as just that. Either bargain reasonably or the left will go after it all.

I also don’t think it’s an idle threat. They’re actually currently positioned to do just that. Public momentum will follow the recent back to back mass shooting events and the NRA is bankrupt so they can’t counter.

It’s past time for the right to get over themselves and come to the table, being reasonable or else lose their entire position. Following the dogma of Newt Gingrich and Mitch McConnell has not served them or the country well. Time for another tack.

Most liberals are reasonable and lean centrist. The Right should keep this in mind and stop hindering needed reform and progress.