The motivation the Republicans have is that this plays very well with their strongest supporters.

give encouragement to Republicans who want to make the education reform bill an issue (against Democrats) in November.

The people who are his strongest supporters are among the least likely to support this bill.

I can't even get consensus among Republicans.

The strongest oak of the forest is not the one that is protected from the storm and hidden from the sun. It's the one that stands in the open where it is compelled to struggle for its existence against the winds and rains and the scorching sun.

the need to maintain a vigorous approach to dealing with terrorists and their supporters.