Donald Trump and Heidi Heitkamp have been improbable dancing partners since the president took office. Theirs isn't a steamy tango, but a gingerly stepped tap dance. Despite their rival parties, the Republican president and Democratic senator from North Dakota have reasons to work together when their interests align. Heitkamp, of course, faces a tough re-election contest in a state that remains staunchly pro-Trump. She has opposed Trump on some issues, including Republican health reform proposals, but supported him on others, notably energy policy and streamlining regulations. Meanwhile, Trump is finding that he needs to work with Democrats. The same day he visited a refinery in Mandan to stump for tax reform, Trump struck a debt- ceiling deal with congressional Democrats.
This all helps to explain the extraordinary scene last week, when Trump welcomed Heitkamp to the stage and praised her as a "good woman" during his Mandan appearance. Heitkamp had joined the Republican members of the North Dakota congressional delegation aboard Air Force One for the trip from Washington. The presidential warmth was unusual to say the least. Just a week earlier, in a trip to Missouri, Trump castigated Claire McCaskill, another Senate Democrat up for reelection in 2018 who is seen as vulnerable. Heitkamp has maintained a voting record that is often called "moderate," at times infuriating her Democratic supporters, who have been frustrated when she sides with Republicans on issues, including votes against gun control measures. Heitkamp, well aware of her conservative constituency, has been careful not to stray too far on lightning rod issues.
It's too early to say, but Trump's unexpected deal last week with congressional Democratic leaders on the temporary debt-ceiling measure could signal a new willingness to work with Democrats to pass legislation. He has been openly perturbed at the failure of congressional Republicans to repeal and replace Obamacare, a pet GOP issue and campaign promise, and is visibly itching for legislative victories. Certainly tax reform, including a much simpler tax code and lower rates for individuals and businesses, would be a major and welcome achievement.
If Trump is looking across the political aisle for legislative allies, Heitkamp could emerge as a strategic player in reaching deals that can pass the Senate, where Republicans have a slim majority. Before his inauguration, Trump considered Heitkamp for a cabinet post, and she paid the president-elect a visit at Trump Plaza. A cabinet position, if it had been offered, was widely seen at the time as a way to try to give the Republicans another seat in the Senate. But Trump's willingness to share the stage with Heitkamp in her home state, and his verbal embrace of her as a "good woman," suggest he is happy she stayed in the Senate. How long that lasts, and whether anything comes of it, remains to be seen. Trump's Mandan appearance also came with a not-so-subtle warning for Heitkamp. He urged his supporters to vote out anyone who voted for a tax increase.
