Let’s run through a hypothetical real quick.

Let’s say Texas seceeded from the Union, and at some point America tries to conquer it back. This time their secession was peaceful, mind you, America was going through some things and quite frankly you can’t say you stand for self determination if you’d said no. They even gave the nukes they had back!

It’s obvious that Texas alone can’t stand against America forever, they simply can’t compete in industry and population. America can fall flat on its face like an absolute moron and still win.

Now, obviously, America’s geopolitical enemies and people who simply think America is being more than a little fascist about the whole thing are supporting the Texan war economy, but unless they start sending in volunteer regiments the manpower shortage is still a problem.

America’s victory is just a matter of time. The President has invested too much personal prestige in the war to back out, and no American territory is at risk. Could be at risk.

How could it be? They’re outnumbered ten to one! You’re fucking America!

And then Texas starts pushing to New Orleans. For the first time since 1812 American territory is invaded by a foreign power, over a war about… Some bullshit that everyone knows is bullshit. Texas was always more trouble than it was ever worth in the first place! It’s already cost the nation a hundred times what it could ever be worth, not even counting all the murders!

You see how this might put a bit of pressure on a weak, arrogant, and stupid President fighting a war of aggression that no one actually believes is justified?