US politics. He is the lead republican Tea Party member in the Senate. You probably don't care, but here is more about his shenanigans to defund Obama care. The desire by Republicans to defund Obama was the motivation behind the government shutdown and coming very close to defaulting on US debt, FYI.
I know who he is, I read the newspapers. I didn't know about the term "to cave" yet.
I've read the term "suicide party" regarding the Teamen, I think I like that.
The two party system certainly has limitations. You end up with very broad groups.
Austria has a similar problem - and it's even worse in a way : BOTH parties rule for several years now ... Just imagine Democrats & Republicans forming ONE government ... And THEN rule for lots of years ...