Democrats think they are “winning” the shutdown. As long as they continue to think that, it will continue, into 2026, perhaps into 2029.
Yesterday’s offer from Senate leader John Thune (R-SD) has been rejected. From The Hill newspaper,
Deal to reopen government falters over Democrats’ distrust of Trump.
A “deal” can’t “falter” if there never was a deal. Distrust of Trump? The Hill reports,
Democratic support for a potential deal to reopen the government has crumbled because of deep mistrust among Senate Democrats over whether they can trust President Trump to act in good faith to extend health insurance subsidies or to stop firing federal workers.
Was there ever any Democratic support? They mistrust/distrust/don’t trust that Trump will meet 100 percent of their demands. Is that Trump’s “fault”?
Days ago, the current “shutdown” passed the record to become the longest ever. The now-second-longest shutdown occurred during Trump 1.0 over his request for a border wall. He never got it.
The local Minneapolis Star Tribune put out this headline,
Democrats consider prolonging the shutdown as Republicans prepare new bills without health care fix
How can Democrats “prolong” something for which they are totally without blame?
Democrats are the proverbial dog who chased and caught the car. They have no idea what comes next.
