This is what they want, though. This allows them to ensure the thing gets passed, since they agree with the Republicans (and have many of the same donors), while publicly pretending that they don’t. And since most people do not think structurally or systemically, it allows people to be upset at “traitors” rather than the party. It will always be just enough Democratic “traitors” that allow Republican legislation that the party is vocally opposed to, to pass.

The party didn’t betray the people, a few representatives betrayed the party. And of course, individualism and freedom of expression/speech means that the party can’t punish the traitors, because that would be authoritarian. it is up to the people to vote the traitors out in the next election. Either they will have forgotten about the specific treachery by then, or else there will be no primary, because the incumbent will be unopposed, and the two-party system will ensure that the “traitors” get re-elected anyway, because you have to vote blue no matter who or else you are now the traitor to the party.