There is a similar concept used in commerce, where a product or service is "artificially" overpriced and then discounted to make it seem like the buyer is getting a good deal.
In the same way, it makes sense to leak an "extreme" draft and then modify it after the fires have burned a bit, because you still get the benefit of passing unpopular legislation while seeming like you compromised on the details (when perhaps the final outcome is the one you wished for all along).
On the other hand, it makes some sense to me in some cynical ways for the opposition to leak this. We've already seen e-mail blasts going out asking for fundraising in the wake of this event, which certainly will solicit funds for numerous PACs and midterm war chests. Still, though, it's not like public opinion often ways heavily on the minds of the court -- they are not elected, after all, and do not face the perils of the election cycle very much. In fact, this puts much, much more pressure on the opposition's comrades in the presidential and congressional seats to come together and act. Pressure which may not be welcome ahead of said midterms...
In the same way, it makes sense to leak an "extreme" draft and then modify it after the fires have burned a bit, because you still get the benefit of passing unpopular legislation while seeming like you compromised on the details (when perhaps the final outcome is the one you wished for all along).
On the other hand, it makes some sense to me in some cynical ways for the opposition to leak this. We've already seen e-mail blasts going out asking for fundraising in the wake of this event, which certainly will solicit funds for numerous PACs and midterm war chests. Still, though, it's not like public opinion often ways heavily on the minds of the court -- they are not elected, after all, and do not face the perils of the election cycle very much. In fact, this puts much, much more pressure on the opposition's comrades in the presidential and congressional seats to come together and act. Pressure which may not be welcome ahead of said midterms...