By John Q. Hosedrinker 
In a recent interview, a former ambassador asserted that Donald Trump’s willingness to wield power garnered him credibility in the Middle East. This approach, distinct from previous administrations, involved assertive actions that were perceived as decisive. The ambassador explained that this willingness to act, regardless of potential criticism, resonated with leaders in the region. Ultimately, this created a different dynamic in the area, separating him from other leaders.
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Blame is shifting to Republicans on shutdown, polling shows, and frankly, it always should have been. It’s not exactly a surprise, is it? The headline might suggest some kind of dramatic turnaround, but the reality is that the majority of the public has, and continues to place the responsibility squarely on the shoulders of the Republican party. This isn’t a sudden revelation; it’s simply the truth coming to light.
For years, the GOP has been playing the same game, weaponizing government shutdowns as a political tactic. They’ve done it before, and they’re doing it again. It’s a strategy that relies on obstruction and refusing to negotiate in good faith. And while there might be attempts to shift the narrative, the facts remain: the Republicans control the House, and they need to work with Democrats to pass any budget.
The real crux of the issue is healthcare. The Democrats are fighting to protect affordable access, while the GOP seems determined to undermine those protections. It’s a fundamental disagreement that has been the primary cause of the impasse. It boils down to this: the Republicans are asking Democrats to vote in favor of kicking constituents off healthcare. It’s a difficult ask. And why would anyone vote for that?
Now, let’s be clear: the GOP needs Democratic support to pass their budget. They simply do not have the votes to do it alone. Yet, they are unwilling to compromise, and this is what leads to a shutdown. They could find a solution by fixing the healthcare access issues they themselves are causing, or they could choose to nuke the filibuster, though that option does not seem to be on the table. It is a shutdown engineered by the GOP.
The propaganda from certain media outlets, like Fox News, is attempting to shift blame. But the public isn’t buying it. Despite these efforts, a significant portion of Americans understands the truth: the Republicans are the ones causing the problem. The public cares about healthcare.
The fact of the matter is, Republicans are not getting their entire party on board, and the votes that are missing are coming from the opposition. This is not a Democratic shutdown. It’s a Republican problem that needs a Republican solution.
It’s worth considering the mechanics of how this works. The GOP needs Democratic support, and the issue at stake is healthcare. So, the GOP is effectively asking Democratic representatives to vote against their constituents’ healthcare coverage. It’s a political strategy, but it’s one that ultimately fails to persuade those who are being asked to surrender their positions.
We’ve seen this play out before. The GOP is trying to create a narrative about “illegals getting healthcare,” but it’s just not resonating. People are smarter than some think. They understand the core issue and it is this: The GOP’s leadership is failing to find a solution.
Furthermore, the GOP’s lack of willingness to negotiate is a key part of the problem. They’re refusing to compromise, and that intransigence is the reason for the shutdown. Even with a well-oiled propaganda machine, the truth is prevailing. People are smart enough to know what is happening.
And the implications are significant. With people about to get letters from ACA, now is the time to counter the GOP’s lies on healthcare. The public is starting to realize what is happening. The GOP can’t even get 100% of their party on board with this budget. The GOP has all the power and the votes. How can anyone else be responsible?
In conclusion, the reality is that the blame for the shutdown is rightly falling on the Republicans. They are the ones in control. They are the ones refusing to compromise. They are the ones causing the problem. And, fortunately, the public is starting to see it that way too.