On Monday, eight Democrats caved and voted with Republicans on a shutdown deal. In doing so, they took the first steps to end the longest government shutdown in U.S. History.
The eight Democrats are: Sen. Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire, Sen. Dick Durbin of Illinois, Sen. Tim Kaine of Virginia, Sen. Maggie Hassan of New Hampshire, Sen. Angus King of Maine, Sen. Jacky Rosen of Nevada, Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto of Nevada, and Sen. John Fetterman of Pennsylvania,
Many Americans feel frustrated by this, with some even calling it a “betrayal.” Last Tuesday, Americans delivered a massive, resounding electoral victory for Democrats and an outright rebuke of Donald Trump’s “policies,” the MAGA agenda, and his failure to negotiate on the shutdown.
For these eight Democrats to cave to Trump in this manner, they have shattered the natural momentum and energy that was building in their party. The largest protest in U.S. history, a ginormous electoral victory, and historic levels of unpopularity for Donald Trump wasn’t enough for these senators to use leverage in negotiating a deal that was more than just a promise of a future vote?
It demonstrates just how weak and ineffective Chuck Schumer is as a leader. He has allowed his party to insulate Republicans of massive political consequences, as well as letting the Republicans avoid being the responsible governing party that comes to the table to negotiate. For all the suffering that Americans endured during this shutdown, it feels hollow that we did not receive more protections or concessions from Republicans. This could easily all happen again in January.
Jo and David discuss all of this and more, right here on The Siren Network.
