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.… Continue reading
On Sunday, the Senate began the process to end the longest government shutdown after eight Democratic senators reached an agreement with Republicans, notably without securing the Democrats’ key demand for extended healthcare subsidies. These senators, including Durbin, Shaheen, and Kaine, justified their decision by highlighting the detrimental impact of the shutdown on government workers and the public. They also pointed to Republican promises to vote on restoring the Affordable Care Act subsidies, framing it as a strategic move to hold Republicans accountable on healthcare. This decision, however, risked alienating the Democratic base and potentially undermining the party’s previous political advantage gained during the shutdown.
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The author argues that the prevailing strategy of moderate Democrats is not the solution to the party’s struggles, but rather a continuation of the policies that have led to their failures. They point to the decline of states that once supported Democrats due to economic abandonment and corporate-friendly policies, specifically mentioning NAFTA’s impact on manufacturing jobs. The author contends that the focus should be on economic populism and building public capacity instead of relying on market forces and moderate candidates, as it has proven unsuccessful. They then assert that organized power and coordinated economic populism are the paths forward, not more of the failed moderation suggested by the current chorus.
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California Governor Gavin Newsom and other prominent Democrats have strongly criticized a tentative Senate deal to end the government shutdown, labeling it a “surrender.” The agreement, which reportedly promises a December vote on extending Obamacare subsidies, has drawn condemnation from leaders like Newsom and Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, who view it as inadequate. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and Senator Bernie Sanders have also expressed disapproval, questioning the commitment to addressing the healthcare subsidies. The deal, negotiated by Democratic senators, faces further hurdles in the House, where the outcome remains uncertain.
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Senate reaches deal on ending the shutdown. Well, that’s the headline, isn’t it? But, reading between the lines, things aren’t quite as straightforward as they might seem. The agreement, it seems, hinges on a promise – a vote in December to extend those Affordable Care Act subsidies. Now, on the surface, that sounds good, right? A vote to potentially protect healthcare coverage. But let’s really look at it.
The devil, as they say, is in the details. That “promise” comes from Senate Majority Leader John Thune. He’s promising the Democrats a vote. But a vote is just a vote. It doesn’t guarantee anything.… Continue reading
Deal to end government shutdown in reach, and the implications are… complex. It seems we’re on the cusp of a potential agreement to reopen the government after a prolonged shutdown. However, the details of this deal are raising serious questions, and frankly, a lot of frustration, especially among Democrats.
It appears the core of the potential agreement hinges on a promise – a commitment from the Republican Party to hold a vote on certain subsidies sometime in December. This is where the skepticism kicks in. Many are understandably wary of relying on a “promise” from the GOP, given their track record and the inherent political gamesmanship in these situations.… Continue reading
California Governor Gavin Newsom achieved a significant victory with Proposition 50, which aims to help Democrats gain more seats in the House. This win is expected to bolster Newsom’s national profile as he potentially prepares for a presidential run. The campaign, viewed as a response to Trump’s redistricting efforts, has solidified Newsom’s position as a prominent adversary. Newsom’s success in this battle, which resonated with Democratic voters seeking a fighter, positions him favorably for future political endeavors.
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Following Zohran Mamdani’s surprising victory in the New York City mayoral race, concerns have arisen regarding the loyalty of Democratic leadership. Despite Mamdani’s win, prominent Democrats like Chuck Schumer notably refused to endorse him, with suspicions that Schumer may have even voted for his opponent. This behavior, viewed as prioritizing personal political views over party interests, is a pattern for Schumer. Furthermore, Schumer’s leadership style has been criticized for being ineffective, especially in opposition, and he’s seen as failing to rally his caucus during critical moments, like the current authoritarian attacks on American democracy.
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As Democrats celebrate recent election victories, progressives are criticizing party leadership for snubbing them, particularly after New York City Mayor-Elect Zohran Mamdani’s win. At a progressive conference, attendees expressed disdain for Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer, citing his resistance to certain progressive candidates. Speakers emphasized the importance of focusing on affordability and rejecting the opposition’s economic agenda, drawing inspiration from Republicans’ strong support for their candidates. While some Democrats feel frustrated with internal divisions, others like U.S. Senator Ruben Gallego believe the focus should be on whether a candidate fights for and understands voters, rather than on ideological purity.
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Zohran Mamdani’s election victory in New York City was a remarkable outcome, despite early polls showing him at just 1% support. Mamdani, who ran on a socialist platform, defeated candidates with more experience, demonstrating the power of a dedicated volunteer base. His success, fueled by promises of free services and higher taxes on the wealthy, signals a potential shift in voter preferences. While facing challenges and opposition, Mamdani’s victory holds significance beyond New York, especially for swing-state urban areas. His ability to connect with diverse constituencies and build strength suggests valuable lessons for Democratic strategies nationwide.
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Matt Underwood 
John Q. Hosedrinker