I think you're grossly underestimating how many bribes, er, excuse me, campaign contributions, lobbying efforts, and wine and dines Boeing has done. They could kill everyone on board ISS and crash six more planes and the US government would continue to bank roll them for years to come.

> underestimating how many bribes, er, excuse me, campaign contributions, lobbying efforts, and wine and dines Boeing has done

You’re spitballing. Starliner was pushed by NASA, not electeds. Boeing is currently in the shitter with the public and thus the Congress.

Even if you’re cynical beyond evidence, the hypothesis doesn’t hold: Boeing’s competitors are deep pocketed and connected too.

"competitor" (-s) no?

The enthusiasm genuinely seems to be waning. Overbudget is tolerable. Vehicles that kill their occupants is a more difficult pill to swallow.