By Matt Underwood Democratic Defectors Relent on Shutdown, Backing Bill to Reopen
So, it seems some Democratic Senators decided to cave. The general sentiment is, well, let’s just say it’s not good. The reaction is a mix of anger, disappointment, and a deep-seated frustration with what many perceive as a lack of backbone and strategic thinking. The core issue? These defecting Democrats are supporting a bill to reopen the government, seemingly in exchange for promises, and many feel they’ve learned nothing from past battles.
The primary point of contention revolves around the belief that the Democrats had a winning hand. Public opinion, according to various reports, blamed Republicans and Trump for the shutdown. Those who opposed the deal thought they could have pressed their advantage and secured more concessions. Instead, they’re perceived to be handing over victory by voting for a Republican House package and getting only a promised, separate vote on ACA extensions. Many view this as a weak strategy, fearing that Republicans will simply renege on their word, leaving Democrats looking foolish.
The feeling among many is that this move is a betrayal, specifically by the moderate Democrats who often get labeled as “do-nothing Democrats.” They are accused of consistently giving up ground, failing to fight for their constituents, and jeopardizing key legislative priorities. There’s a strong sentiment that this perceived weakness is fueling disillusionment with the party, with some even calling for primary challenges against those who voted for the bill. This is seen as a particularly egregious example of what happens when you’re not willing to stick to your guns when it counts the most.
The specifics of the deal, including the promise of a vote on ACA extensions in December, are viewed with deep skepticism. Critics point out that such promises are easily broken. Republicans, they argue, are unlikely to negotiate in good faith, and the December vote is likely to be a political smokescreen, with any extension of subsidies highly unlikely. This perspective paints a bleak picture, suggesting that the Democrats have essentially conceded to Republican demands for little or nothing in return. This action puts the Democrats on the record, with Republicans poised to vote no on extending subsidies, which will end up hurting tens of millions of people.
There’s also a significant amount of anger directed towards the perceived motivations of the defectors. Some speculate that these Democrats are more concerned with creating opportunities for political theater. They seem to want to cause more suffering to use as ammunition in the mid-terms rather than delivering any real benefits for the people.
A large part of the disappointment stems from the perception that the Democrats are repeating past mistakes. This pattern of giving in, failing to stand firm, and then being taken advantage of is seen as a fundamental flaw within the party. This perceived weakness damages democracy and leads to radicalization.
The impact on the Democratic Party itself is a central concern. Many fear this deal will further erode the party’s base. The shutdown, the political maneuvering, and the ultimate compromise are seen as a massive missed opportunity. They feel that this move will empower their opponents. Many fear a slide towards fascism. There’s an underlying belief that the party’s actions are self-destructive, and this will lead to a repeat of the same old cycle of disappointment.
Specific figures are named and singled out, with many calling to “primary every democrat who voted for this.” There are calls to “kick these fucks out of the Congress and out of the democratic party.” These calls indicate that this is a widespread concern, not just among politicians but among voters as well.
The perceived lack of strategic thinking is also a major criticism. There is a sense that the Democrats are playing into Trump’s hands. By giving in, they’re not only failing to achieve their goals but also potentially strengthening their opponents. They are being used to give Trump a “heads I win, tails you lose” scenario. The public is seeing the Democrats giving up and in turn, Republicans will screw them over and the Dems will pretend to be oh so shocked that they were lied to.
In the end, this episode is a major blow to the Democratic Party. The defection of key senators to back a bill that reopens the government without securing significant concessions is seen as a betrayal of the party’s values. It’s a move that many believe will only embolden Republicans and further undermine the party’s credibility. The hope that the Democratic Party would learn from past mistakes seems, at least in this instance, to have been dashed.