Quiet scene after the vote: In the back of the room, after most other senators had left, Collins and Murkowski hugged, then shared some laughs.
There was a steady procession from both parties to Collins' desk. Pence stiffly shook both Murkowski's and Collins' hands. McConnell too. Manchin was effusive with Murkowski, Collins, etc. Manchin got pat on back from Tom Cotton and a very, very happy Lindsey Graham.
Others came up too, Senator King, Doug Jones, etc.
There was also a conversation in the well between Pence and McConnell, with McConnell looking as happy as I've ever seen him, and a big handshake with McConnell's left arm gripping Pence's right.
As mostly women were dragged out during the vote -- screaming "shame shame shame," one yelling what happened to your "f---ing spine" -- D senators just stayed grim at their desks. Some Rs smiled. Pretty sure I detected the smallest of grins on McConnell's face.
McConnell 2 hours before the vote told Laura Litvan "the mob" was boosting GOP enthusiasm for the midterms.
