1. If there had been a shutdown, the media news cycle would all have been about the shutdown while it lasted. Which diverts media attention for Trump/Musk lawlessness, corruption, and disasters. And diverts people’s attention from the lies and corruption. Every news cycle now is another disaster for the republicans. We need the media’s attention and people’s attention focused on Trump/Musk, not distracted by a shutdown. If there is no attention to Trump/Musk, they are more easily able to get away with all their lawlessness.
2. The democrats avoided taking a public opinion hit for “causing” a shutdown. The republicans would have said they had majority votes in both chambers and the democrats caused the shutdown. Instant black eye for the democrats, unfortunately. Which brings us to:
3. Schumer is trying to improve the approval ratings for the democrats, as we need all the improvement we can get, especially given 2 key upcoming congressional battles, which are:
4. The upcoming debt hike vote. This is coming soon, the US government authority to borrow must be increased to cover money already spent. And unlike for the continuing review, this time they will NEED democrat votes in the House as there are republicans who will not vote for it. THIS will be the time when we have maximum leverage. And we need every ounce of public approval for the democrats for this upcoming moment.
5. The upcoming budget, when the republicans are going to try to find 800 billion in savings, mostly from Medicaid. That will be a real fight also. And the democrats will have leverage then as House republican leaders are unlikely to be able to get all republicans in the House to vote to cut Medicaid for their own voters.
As was said by French Bear, this is a marathon, not a sprint. Carville reminds us to have patience and trust our leaders. Keep your powder dry and make the most of the upcoming opportunities. Thanks all.
