Well, one of the several reasons why politicians are generally not trustworthy is because they often calculate what they say and do according to how they think it will affect their political survival. Ted has enough support to remain as a Texas senator for a long time if he wishes. However, President is a whole different ballgame. He has made his calculations according to what he thinks he will need to have a decent chance at the office of POTUS. I don't believe he truly thinks the MAGA people were out to get him. I watched the whole event live, and I never believed the legislators were in any actual danger. I saw a lot of people who are terrible at acting, and acting is what a lot of legislators and "MAGA" provocateurs were doing. AOC accused Ted of trying to kill her. So he feels he has to act like a RINO to increase his chances. There's been some rumor that some D's are gonna turncoat and become R's. If that happens, Ted's chances decrease. Problem now is Trump supporters and DeSantis supporters aren't gonna vote for him unless he somehow secures the nomination and the choice becomes Ted vs a hated Dem. Is he gonna shave his beard to look the part? His beard looks better on him than when he was clean shaven IMHO. PS Pence has no chance unless he has got the big big big money with the power to buy out all the competition. I would just hate to be a politician. . .Imagine how much you have to compromise yourself.