Should the Democrats have agreed to keep the government open?

[dseag2]

I saw a Democratic journalist on a panel today and he brought up an interesting point. Prior, I had just thought "No, Democrats should have let the government shut down to stand on their principles". However, he brought up a good point. As a political strategy, if Democrats had gone along with keeping the government open the horrible healthcare cuts/increases inflicted by Republicans would have become more readily apparent to the voting public and may have given them a better shot at winner over more voters.

I can see the argument here. I think this would have been a good strategy for Dems rather than just trying to say they were fighting for healthcare and still receiving a portion of the blame for shutting down the government. What say you?

 

[Phys251]

I saw a Democratic journalist on a panel today and he brought up an interesting point. Prior, I had just thought "No, Democrats should have let the government shut down to stand on their principles". However, he brought up a good point. As a political strategy, if Democrats had gone along with keeping the government open the horrible healthcare cuts/increases inflicted by Republicans would have become more readily apparent to the voting public and may have given them a better shot at winner over more voters.

I can see the argument here. I think this would have been a good strategy for Dems rather than just trying to say they were fighting for healthcare and still receiving a portion of the blame for shutting down the government. What say you?

Democrats should not cave. Period. The MAGA Repubs could end this shutdown tonight if they wanted to. This is a Republican shutdown.

 

[dseag2]

I understand and appreciate your point, but when is it time for Democrats to stop falling on the sword to prove a point? We on DP know this is a Republican shutdown but many average voters have no idea. They only appreciate facts when they feel it in their wallets. They probably will soon anyway so we'll hope for the best. I'd still pick the Dems over the crooked Pubs anytime.

 

[CimpleMan]

I saw a Democratic journalist on a panel today and he brought up an interesting point. Prior, I had just thought "No, Democrats should have let the government shut down to stand on their principles". However, he brought up a good point. As a political strategy, if Democrats had gone along with keeping the government open the horrible healthcare cuts/increases inflicted by Republicans would have become more readily apparent to the voting public and may have given them a better shot at winner over more voters.

I can see the argument here. I think this would have been a good strategy for Dems rather than just trying to say they were fighting for healthcare and still receiving a portion of the blame for shutting down the government. What say you?

Disagree, letting it happen without a fight would be wrong and they'd be criticized for doing nothing. The criticism would be warranted.

This is what Democratic Party is fighting against.

 

[dseag2]

Disagree, letting it happen without a fight would be wrong and they'd be criticized for doing nothing. The criticism would be warranted.

This is what Democratic Party is fighting against.View attachment 67592675

Thanks for providing the backup. I just hope those voters who continue to pay reasonable premiums realize who did it for them. Maybe it's just that Dems need to be better at bringing that point home.

 

[Greenbeard]

I saw a Democratic journalist on a panel today and he brought up an interesting point. Prior, I had just thought "No, Democrats should have let the government shut down to stand on their principles". However, he brought up a good point. As a political strategy, if Democrats had gone along with keeping the government open the horrible healthcare cuts/increases inflicted by Republicans would have become more readily apparent to the voting public and may have given them a better shot at winner over more voters.

I can see the argument here. I think this would have been a good strategy for Dems rather than just trying to say they were fighting for healthcare and still receiving a portion of the blame for shutting down the government. What say you?

October-November is when people see their 2026 premiums. No better time to shed a light on the GOP's role in them.

 

[SkyChief]

Should the Democrats have agreed to keep the government open?

Democrats are wise to stand their ground and keep the government closed.

It would be nice if the shut-down was made permanent, but at some point in time, dems will need to agree to a clean CR.

 

[ttwtt78640]

Disagree, letting it happen without a fight would be wrong and they'd be criticized for doing nothing. The criticism would be warranted.

This is what Democratic Party is fighting against.View attachment 67592675

Yep, but only because the demorats (when they had a majority) intentionally made the increased ‘COVID-19 emergency’ federal subsidies temporary in order to get a lower 10-year CBO score (cost?). Obviously, the demorats had no real intention of having these subsidies ‘sunset’ (actually be temporary) and are now demanding that they be extended indefinitely by the republicant majority.

 

[CimpleMan]

Thanks for providing the backup. I just hope those voters who continue to pay reasonable premiums realize who did it for them. Maybe it's just that Dems need to be better at bringing that point home.

Unfortunately, there's a certainty even if they do Republicans will still vote for Republicans. Hoping enough Independents will be swayed. Even if Democratic Party doesn't get credit for softening the blow of expiring credits it's worthwhile.

Democratic Party candidates will be able to campaign on voters losing Medicaid benefits in 2027 for 2026 Midterms.

 

[noonereal]

Should the Democrats have agreed to keep the government open?

Yes.

 

[Gimmesometruth]

This is what Democratic Party is fighting against.

FL, GA...wow.

 

[CimpleMan]

Yep, but only because the demorats (when they had a majority) intentionally made the increased ‘COVID-19 emergency’ federal subsidies temporary in order to get a lower 10-year CBO score (cost?). Obviously, the demorats had no real intention of having these subsidies ‘sunset’ (actually be temporary) and are now demanding that they be extended indefinitely by the republicant majority.

Have no idea what all went into those decisions. Providing healthcare to as many as possible at affordable cost has been a priority for Democratic Party for a very long time. I'm on record on DP saying ever increasing subsidies is problematic, but until we have an alternative system it's the best we can do to ensure access to healthcare at affordable cost to as many as possible.

Understand the issue for Republicans is who exactly needs subsidies and how much of their healthcare needs to be subsidized.

Also realize Democratic Party is not going to get everything they're asking for and can see the real possibilty of getting little. Compromise would be to soften blow as much as possible and keep as many as possible from losing access to healthcare.

 

[RIP U.S. Democracy]

I saw a Democratic journalist on a panel today and he brought up an interesting point. Prior, I had just thought "No, Democrats should have let the government shut down to stand on their principles". However, he brought up a good point. As a political strategy, if Democrats had gone along with keeping the government open the horrible healthcare cuts/increases inflicted by Republicans would have become more readily apparent to the voting public and may have given them a better shot at winner over more voters.

I can see the argument here. I think this would have been a good strategy for Dems rather than just trying to say they were fighting for healthcare and still receiving a portion of the blame for shutting down the government. What say you?

This kind of assumes that the healthcare fight is the biggest issue regarding this government shutdown.

Chuck Schumer the shrewd political strategist (roll my eyes) has made the healthcare fight the only issue for this government shutdown. A very poor strategy on the part of Schumer and Jeffries...considering all the other damage Trump is doing to the American people with the tariffs, government corruption, and the shredding of the Constitution.

Healthcare should be one of many issues that the Democrats should be taking a stand on during this shutdown....it shouldn't be the overriding issue.

 

[ttwtt78640]

Have no idea what all went into those decisions. Providing healthcare to as many as possible at affordable cost has been a priority for Democratic Party for a very long time. I'm on record on DP saying ever increasing subsidies is problematic, but until we have an alternative system it's the best we can do to ensure access to healthcare at affordable cost to as many as possible.

Understand the issue for Republicans is who exactly needs subsidies and how much of their healthcare needs to be subsidized.

Also realize Democratic Party is not going to get everything they're asking for and can see the real possibilty of getting little. Compromise would be to soften blow as much as possible and keep as many as possible from losing access to healthcare.

What seems to be ignored is that these increased federal subsidies allowed the cost of medical care and, by extension, medical care insurance profits to rise faster by increasing the national debt. After all, it’s not as if the demorats have any ‘pay for’ (either tax “the rich” more or cut other federal spending) included in their plan - they just want to increase annual federal deficit (stimulus?) spending and grow the (already huge) national debt.

 

[Cameron]

I saw a Democratic journalist on a panel today and he brought up an interesting point. Prior, I had just thought "No, Democrats should have let the government shut down to stand on their principles". However, he brought up a good point. As a political strategy, if Democrats had gone along with keeping the government open the horrible healthcare cuts/increases inflicted by Republicans would have become more readily apparent to the voting public and may have given them a better shot at winner over more voters.

I can see the argument here. I think this would have been a good strategy for Dems rather than just trying to say they were fighting for healthcare and still receiving a portion of the blame for shutting down the government. What say you?

That's how I feel too. The strategy here feels very questionable. I also think having a bunch of federal workers angry about being furloughed or laid off in the weeks before critical elections in Virginia is a pretty risky move for Dems. So far it doesn't seem to be blowing back at them, but it's only been three days.

 

[CimpleMan]

What seems to be ignored is that these increased federal subsidies allowed the cost of medical care and, by extension, medical care insurance profits to rise faster by increasing the national debt. After all, it’s not as if the demorats have any ‘pay for’ (either tax “the rich” more or cut other federal spending) included in their plan - they just want to increase annual federal deficit (stimulus?) spending and grow the (already huge) national debt.

Yes, i'm aware of all of your complaints/concerns. My preference is for a different system.

Healthcare policy is by far Democratic Party best issue when polled, so we're not going to cede anything in this regard. Shouldn't have to tell you this.

Regarding the rich? Can show you how effective tax rates for ultra wealthy and corporations have gone down not up. Percentage of federal revenue from corporation taxes has fallen to 11% in 2024. Democrats proposed tax increases for those who making more than $400,000 and increased corporate tax rates by 7% Don't see as unreasonable. If nothing else atleast subsidies for healthcare could be paid for.

 

[Fearandloathing]

I saw a Democratic journalist on a panel today and he brought up an interesting point. Prior, I had just thought "No, Democrats should have let the government shut down to stand on their principles". However, he brought up a good point. As a political strategy, if Democrats had gone along with keeping the government open the horrible healthcare cuts/increases inflicted by Republicans would have become more readily apparent to the voting public and may have given them a better shot at winner over more voters.

I can see the argument here. I think this would have been a good strategy for Dems rather than just trying to say they were fighting for healthcare and still receiving a portion of the blame for shutting down the government. What say you?

Except that the voter will blame BOTH parties.......

 

[j brown's body]

I saw a Democratic journalist on a panel today and he brought up an interesting point. Prior, I had just thought "No, Democrats should have let the government shut down to stand on their principles". However, he brought up a good point. As a political strategy, if Democrats had gone along with keeping the government open the horrible healthcare cuts/increases inflicted by Republicans would have become more readily apparent to the voting public and may have given them a better shot at winner over more voters.

I can see the argument here. I think this would have been a good strategy for Dems rather than just trying to say they were fighting for healthcare and still receiving a portion of the blame for shutting down the government. What say you?

I suspect that if Trump has to capitulate, it will cut into his political power and could possibly drive him out of his mind. And then we can get back to the Epstein files.

 

[Craig234]

No. Democrats sacrificing people's healthcare trying for some political benefit is the wrong values. Even as a political issue, Republicans would be able to get Democrats blamed by rightly pointing out Democrats gave them the votes.

 

[dmpi]

I saw a Democratic journalist on a panel today and he brought up an interesting point. Prior, I had just thought "No, Democrats should have let the government shut down to stand on their principles". However, he brought up a good point. As a political strategy, if Democrats had gone along with keeping the government open the horrible healthcare cuts/increases inflicted by Republicans would have become more readily apparent to the voting public and may have given them a better shot at winner over more voters.

I can see the argument here. I think this would have been a good strategy for Dems rather than just trying to say they were fighting for healthcare and still receiving a portion of the blame for shutting down the government. What say you?

The "horrible healthcare cuts/increases inflicted by Republicans" is 100% theoretical. Just like the tariff driven collapse of the global economy and the devastating labor/food shortage cause by deporting all the illegals. I can understand why the democrats choose to make a stand now. They're losing credibility and they can't afford to be wrong yet again.

 

[Greenbeard]

The "horrible healthcare cuts/increases inflicted by Republicans" is 100% theoretical.

They're not theoretical at all.

 

[dmpi]

They're not theoretical at all.

There was a time... before Obamacare.

 

[The AntiDonald]

I saw a Democratic journalist on a panel today and he brought up an interesting point. Prior, I had just thought "No, Democrats should have let the government shut down to stand on their principles". However, he brought up a good point. As a political strategy, if Democrats had gone along with keeping the government open the horrible healthcare cuts/increases inflicted by Republicans would have become more readily apparent to the voting public and may have given them a better shot at winner over more voters.

I can see the argument here. I think this would have been a good strategy for Dems rather than just trying to say they were fighting for healthcare and still receiving a portion of the blame for shutting down the government. What say you?

That's what they did the last time and where did it get us. Trump and the GOP have gotten only more emboldened.

 

[spud_meister]

No, as Trump said, blame for a government shutdown rests entirely on the President:

""Problems start from the top and they have to get solved from the top and the president's the leader and he's got to get everybody in a room and he's got to lead."

 

[redbeer]

I saw a Democratic journalist on a panel today and he brought up an interesting point. Prior, I had just thought "No, Democrats should have let the government shut down to stand on their principles". However, he brought up a good point. As a political strategy, if Democrats had gone along with keeping the government open the horrible healthcare cuts/increases inflicted by Republicans would have become more readily apparent to the voting public and may have given them a better shot at winner over more voters.

I can see the argument here. I think this would have been a good strategy for Dems rather than just trying to say they were fighting for healthcare and still receiving a portion of the blame for shutting down the government. What say you?

The left's idea of healthcare is to give government dependent voters free healthcare and screw over the hard working men and women of America and it continues to rise in cost. Small business owners or independent contractors cannot afford their healthcare for all the costs of all those dependent upon the government they pay for, the premiums are insane through the roof. The democrats want this to continue and to become worse for they're adding more people on the freebie line. Looks like they desire to get more and more onto dependency to have perpetual voters....it's all a big con put on by a failing party.