Democrats' Attempt at Shutdown Showdown Ends in Humiliation
Despite forcing the longest US government shutdown in history, Senate Democrats were never on the cusp of winning the shutdown fight. Instead, they simply chose a different path - one that would ultimately lead to them conceding their demands and leaving Trump and Republicans unscathed.
The Democrats' strategy was based on appeasing their base by taking a stand against the Trump administration, but in reality, they were playing into Trump's hands from the beginning. By refusing to negotiate and instead resorting to an ultimatum, Democrats allowed Trump to maintain his reputation as a tough negotiator while avoiding any real policy concessions.
As expected, Trump refused to cave to Democrats' demands, opting instead to use the shutdown as leverage to pressure Senate Republicans into abolishing the filibuster - a move that would have given him even greater power and control over the legislative process. The reality is that Senate Democrats were never united on a strategy of forcing Republicans to abolish the filibuster.
Moreover, with the pain caused by the shutdown for ordinary Americans about to ramp up, some Democrats felt compelled to cut a deal in order to avoid increased hardship for millions of people who are already struggling without pay or facing benefits cuts. It was only a matter of time before the Democrats realized that their strategy was doomed to fail.
In reality, Democrats never had a plausible way to win the shutdown fight - an extension of expiring Affordable Care Act subsidies being just one of many demands they could not get Republicans to compromise on. The fact is that Trump and Republicans were never going to cave, and without a realistic strategy, Democrats simply chose to give up.
The "make Republicans abolish the filibuster" gambit was a cynical ploy by progressives who believe that ending the filibuster would ultimately benefit them in the long run. While some might argue that it's necessary for democratic accountability, others are more concerned with how this move could further empower Trump and his allies.
Regardless of one's perspective on the issue, the fact remains that Senate Democrats were not united in their approach to the shutdown fight. With the stakes getting higher by the day, they ultimately chose a path that would lead to them conceding their demands and leaving Republicans unscathed.
Despite forcing the longest US government shutdown in history, Senate Democrats were never on the cusp of winning the shutdown fight. Instead, they simply chose a different path - one that would ultimately lead to them conceding their demands and leaving Trump and Republicans unscathed.
The Democrats' strategy was based on appeasing their base by taking a stand against the Trump administration, but in reality, they were playing into Trump's hands from the beginning. By refusing to negotiate and instead resorting to an ultimatum, Democrats allowed Trump to maintain his reputation as a tough negotiator while avoiding any real policy concessions.
As expected, Trump refused to cave to Democrats' demands, opting instead to use the shutdown as leverage to pressure Senate Republicans into abolishing the filibuster - a move that would have given him even greater power and control over the legislative process. The reality is that Senate Democrats were never united on a strategy of forcing Republicans to abolish the filibuster.
Moreover, with the pain caused by the shutdown for ordinary Americans about to ramp up, some Democrats felt compelled to cut a deal in order to avoid increased hardship for millions of people who are already struggling without pay or facing benefits cuts. It was only a matter of time before the Democrats realized that their strategy was doomed to fail.
In reality, Democrats never had a plausible way to win the shutdown fight - an extension of expiring Affordable Care Act subsidies being just one of many demands they could not get Republicans to compromise on. The fact is that Trump and Republicans were never going to cave, and without a realistic strategy, Democrats simply chose to give up.
The "make Republicans abolish the filibuster" gambit was a cynical ploy by progressives who believe that ending the filibuster would ultimately benefit them in the long run. While some might argue that it's necessary for democratic accountability, others are more concerned with how this move could further empower Trump and his allies.
Regardless of one's perspective on the issue, the fact remains that Senate Democrats were not united in their approach to the shutdown fight. With the stakes getting higher by the day, they ultimately chose a path that would lead to them conceding their demands and leaving Republicans unscathed.
. Like, the democrats didnt even try 2 negotiate... and now we're stuck with trumps ppl in charge 
. What's the point of having an opposition if ur not gonna fight? 
it feels like they just gave up 
The whole thing just didn't add up**
. But instead, they decided to go all-in on this shutdown game, and it was a total strategic misfire.
. And let's be real, his base eats this stuff up - the guy's like a master of gaslighting and making people love him despite all his questionable moves 
.
. Anyway, I'm not buying the argument that ending the filibuster would be some kind of game-changer for Democrats... it's just more power for Trump and his crew 
.
. I'm all for progressive politics, but sometimes you gotta get your act together before making big moves 
.
The whole thing just felt like a big waste of time and energy. I mean, can't we all just work together for once? 
. It's almost as if they wanted to give Republicans an out – and boy, did they deliver 
. The sad truth is that Democrats never had a solid plan B – and now they're paying the price 
.
... wait, no I mean, I'm pretty sure they were bluffing the whole time and Trump and the GOP were just playing them like a fiddle 
. I mean, who tries to abolish the filibuster on purpose? That's just crazy talk! 
. trump's strategy was all about maintaining his tough guy rep while keeping control, and he won 
.
.
. but hey, maybe this will wake up some dems and get them back on track 
can you believe it?!