‘Nobody thought it was going to last this long’: Trump increasingly frustrated as shutdown approaches record length. Honestly, it’s a bit mind-boggling how this whole thing has played out, isn’t it? The government shutdown, something that initially seemed like it might blow over quickly, is now stretching on, and on, and on. It’s hard to ignore the growing frustration, particularly from those who, let’s be honest, probably figured they’d get their way much faster. The general consensus, it seems, was that the Democrats would cave. That the resistance would crack.
This idea that the president’s strength is somehow linked to the shutdown’s outcome is fascinating.… Continue reading
Former President Donald Trump is urging Senate Republicans to eliminate the legislative filibuster to end the government shutdown, a move progressives had warned about, citing the potential for Republicans to utilize such a tactic. Trump’s demand echoes Democrats’ past efforts to end the filibuster during the Biden presidency, which were ultimately unsuccessful. Should the filibuster be scrapped, it would allow the Republicans to pass legislation with a simple majority. Trump’s push comes as millions face the loss of federal assistance and the potential for rising health insurance costs.
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Despite President Trump’s survival of multiple legal and political challenges, his actions are not solely his own, relying on numerous individuals to carry out his agenda. To counteract this, Democrats must target Trump’s “happy helpers,” making it clear that they will be held accountable for their actions, even if not immediately. Instances like the Illinois Accountability Commission demonstrate a path forward. The normalization of authoritarian behavior necessitates a forceful response from Democrats, who must publicly warn all involved in undermining democratic institutions that their conduct will be scrutinized. Democratic leaders must impose accountability and demonstrate that corruption in Washington will no longer be consequence-free.
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Senator Johnson argued that Democrats are playing games by not reopening the government, threatening paychecks and livelihoods. However, the article suggests a different perspective, stating that Republicans are the ones jeopardizing the well-being of 42 million Americans by holding SNAP benefits hostage to force the Democrats’ hand. Furthermore, despite Johnson’s claim that President Trump had done everything to mitigate the harm, the Trump administration reversed its own policy regarding SNAP contingency funds, adding to the program’s vulnerability during the government shutdown.
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Democratic candidates Mikie Sherrill and Abigail Spanberger are likely to win key races, benefiting from the historical trend of a backlash against the incumbent president in their first year. Geoffrey Skelley of Decision Desk HQ notes that both candidates are campaigning against Trump, which is helping their campaigns. Skelley also discussed redistricting efforts across the country, while adding that Democrats remain favored to win the U.S. House unless dramatic changes occur.
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Despite the renewed plea from the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) to end the government shutdown, Democrats remain steadfast in their stance. While acknowledging the impact on federal workers and the union’s concerns, Democrats are unwilling to compromise until their demands regarding health care costs are met. The prevalent belief among Democrats is that Republicans will be compelled to yield, especially with the upcoming open enrollment period for health insurance. This stalemate is further complicated by the political calculations and differing perspectives between both parties.
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The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced that SNAP benefits would not be issued on November 1st due to the ongoing government shutdown. This shutdown, now the second-longest on record, has left approximately 42 million low-income Americans at risk of losing access to food assistance. The USDA’s website placed blame on Democrats by criticizing their healthcare policies, leading some Democrats to accuse the Trump administration of violating the Hatch Act. Despite calls from Democratic lawmakers, the Trump administration has rejected using contingency funds to cover the benefits.
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As the government shutdown enters its fourth week, Democrats remain unified, refusing to concede on healthcare demands, and place blame on President Trump for his unwillingness to negotiate. A major consequence looms as millions face the potential loss of food aid through the SNAP program, with the USDA stating it will not use contingency funds. Despite Democratic calls for the administration to act and Republican concerns about the program, the stalemate continues, with both sides trading blame and offering differing solutions to the shutdown’s impact.
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Due to the ongoing government shutdown, public schools and over 41 million SNAP recipients are at risk of food insecurity. Many states have warned that without funding, SNAP benefits may not be issued, potentially leaving millions, including 16 million children, unable to afford groceries. While the Trump administration has funded certain programs, it has indicated it will not use a contingency fund for SNAP, instructing states to withhold November benefits. Food banks will struggle to compensate for the loss of SNAP, and partisan tensions are high with Republicans and Democrats blaming each other for the potential crisis.
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Senate Democrats have blocked the Republican Party’s government funding legislation for the 12th time, as Republicans remain five votes short of the required 60. Democrats are using this “leverage” to push Republicans to extend expiring Obamacare subsidies, which Republicans insist will only be considered after the government reopens. This has led to a hardened resolve among Democrats, and Republicans are running out of solutions, as the deadline to fund the government approaches.
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Matt Underwood 
John Q. Hosedrinker