folding Mitch McConnell

[GoodTaste]

Former president Donald Trump, through his Save America PAC, also tried to convince senators prior to the vote not to back "this terrible deal being pushed by folding Mitch McConnell."
Source: USAToday McConnell to Biden: Don't expect GOP help to avoid the next potential government default in December

What does "folding" mean? It appears to have two opposite meanings here to me:
It means "bending" (McConnell is actively bending or caving to the pressure from Dems) or "being bent" (McConnell is being bent and ready to surrender to Dems).

What does "folding" really mean?

 

[Tarheel]

One meaning of "to fold" is "to give in to pressure". People who are spineless are more likely to fold (give in to pressure).

Does that help?

 

[GoodTaste]

One meaning of "to fold" is "to give in to pressure". People who are spineless are more likely to fold (give in to pressure).

Does that help?

It helped in some way, but the question remains:
The phrase "being pushed by folding Mitch McConnell" appears to mean two opposite implications: (1) It means "being pushed by Mitch McConnell who lost courage and surrendered to pressure"; (2) it means "being pushed by forcing/putting pressure on McConnell (in this case, McConnell still has courage to resist yet overwhelmed by pressure)". Which is correct?

 

[Tarheel]

It seems contradictory. That is, it's the spineless one who is putting on the pressure. Maybe it's meant ironically.
:

 

[GoodTaste]

It seems contradictory. That is, it's the spineless one who is putting on the pressure. Maybe it's meant ironically.
:

"it's the spineless one" - Who? We have in the passage some people there: McConnell, Trump, Dems. Who? Your phrase "It seems contradictory" appears saying it is not clear at all - McConnell is either bending or being bent.
The question remains as it is.

 

[Tarheel]

By "the spineless one" I mean Mitch McConnell.

 

[Tdol]

Given that Trump dislikes McConnell, it is certainly the negative view- McConnell gave in.

 

[GoodTaste]

Given that Trump dislikes McConnell, it is certainly the negative view- McConnell gave in.

If so, does "folded" or "given-in" work there?

 

[probus]

Although fold and give in have roughly the same meaning in this ckntext, it is impossible to fit the latter in idiomatically.

 

[GoodTaste]

What is the difference between "folding McConnell" and "folded McConnell"?

 

[probus]

You'll have to provide complete sentences if you need more help.

 

[GoodTaste]

You'll have to provide complete sentences if you need more help.

What is the difference between "this terrible deal being pushed by folding Mitch McConnell" and
"this terrible deal being pushed by folded Mitch McConnell"?

 

[probus]

Please reread post number 9. The second one is impossible. It makes no sense.

 

[emsr2d2]

What is the difference between "this terrible deal being pushed by folding Mitch McConnell" and "this terrible deal being pushed by folded Mitch McConnell"?

Neither of those is a complete sentence.