This is the type of legacy-defining challenge Portman has sought for so long. Portman, however, warned his colleagues at a party lunch on Tuesday that things could go wrong. He said that even though he was optimistic, the deal could still collapse and that the blame for any failure would fall on Democrats, according to two sources who were present at the meeting.Democrats will gladly return the favor and point fingers at Portman, as there is a deep skepticism in the caucus about whether he can hit such an enormous target and still deliver 10 GOP votes. Portman, however, said Tuesday that he won't walk away if talks get messy.He said that it is easier to be on the right or the left, and not be negative. It takes courage to find a middle ground and accept the fact that we are not allowed to express our views through partisan rhetoric. It is our job to get past that and do something.Sentiments of an impending impasse at collective negotiations led the bipartisan group to tap Portman to complete the job. Portman is also paired with White House counselor Steve Ricchetti, which puts more pressure on Portman. He stated that it was too simplistic to assume Ricchetti and he alone are making major decisions. However, he said they were physically sitting down trying to resolve these issues. They both checked back with their respective groups.Portman, a mild-mannered senator, is a former U.S. trade representative and tax wonk in Congress. He is also a senator with seniority, stature, and the furthest thing to a bomb-thrower designed for the Trump era. Portman was re-elected easily in 2016, but he chose to retire rather than navigating the post-Trump landscape within the GOP.The Senate Democrats are still unsure if the stoic Ohioan can accept the risks necessary to reach a deal that will see nearly $600 billion in new spending. This is bound to anger the right. Portman was privately criticised by several of his fellow members in the majority, but they didn't speak out loudly to upset fragile talks.Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.), said that she has worked well with Portman, but that the proof of the pudding is whether he can deliver infrastructure. Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) added: When I see a deal, I will believe it.Everyone is wondering: What is his ultimate goal? Is it going to have an impact on his long-term relationship with McConnell? What will it do to his relationship with McConnell? One senator Democrat spoke candidly under anonymity. "There's a general suspicion... Why is this taking so much time?"It has been over a month since Portman met Biden and the nine other negotiators to present a framework. He now has the chance to finish that work and mold his party to a more conciliatory mold, dispelling Democratic suspicions he and fellow Republicans only want slowing down the president.He must first deliver.From a policy perspective, he has the power. He also has the right temperament, according to John Thune (Republican-State of Dakota). He said that if Portman doesn't seal the deal then no one can. He's probably the best guy for this.Portman was a leading negotiator in complex battles over tax cuts, Obamacare repeal, and was responsible for the Senate's work to fight opioid addiction. Since assuming office in 2011, his office boasts that Portman has helped to pass 150 bills into law.Although he is a reliable Republican voter, he has moved to the center on many issues. He opposed Trump's national emergency declaration at his border and worked with a bipartisan group last year on a package of coronavirus relief.Portman, however, isn't a traditional moderate. He can be difficult to get a vote for. Portman's 2013 attempts to insert an eVerify amendment into the Senates bipartisan immigration bill fell apart when Democratic leaders tried to incorporate it into the larger bill, rather than giving Portman the single vote he hoped to get. Democrats were furious that Portman voted against the bill.He was also against Trump's impeachment trials. However, he worked with Senator Susan Collins (R.Maine) to reach a compromise in the failed attempt to establish an independent Jan.6 commission. Portman, a Democrat from Arizona, took over the lead role in funding roads, bridges, and broadband after that failed effort.Sinema called Portman super nerdy. That is a compliment.She recalled that we were discussing this months ago, as if he was all alone. "I don't know why you would walk away if you didn't want to take this to the end. He is the one selling to his conference. He will continue to do this.Portman leads a bipartisan group that includes 10 senators. However, some members of the chamber doubt that rank-and–file members can replace committee chairs' knowledge on large bills like this. Senator John Cornyn (Republican from Texas) stated that this formula has many problems.Cornyn stated that when you have these negotiations with the gangs there is no mechanism that forces people to move off center. He said, "You're seeking this mythical consensus."Portman will need to sign on to a bipartisan agreement if he strikes a deal. Trump is becoming more vocal against infrastructure talks. McConnell has not yet weighed in on the matter, telling his caucus that he views the bipartisan agreement as distinct from the Democrats $3.5 trillion social funding package. Portman's situation is made worse by the Wall Street Journal editorial that recently called the infrastructure package the most unipartisan bipartisan deal in decades.Sen. Ron Johnson (R.Wis.), said that he did not know why any Republican would cut a deal for infrastructure, despite the fact that Democrats plan to pass a multitrillion dollar spending bill for social programs, combating climate change, and raising taxes.Portman acknowledged that his balance act was difficult but said it was easier to discuss trade and taxes with the other side. Portman also mentioned China. I've been involved in more difficult negotiations.Portman stated that bipartisan negotiations have become more difficult because both sides tend into their own corners. Portman said that if it were tax cuts or health care, I would feel different. This is infrastructure. I believe there is enough interest and enough goodwill to get it done.
