UPDATE: Political commentator Michael Tomasky has outlined a crucial strategy for Democratic lawmakers, emphasizing they have a strong chance to succeed in the ongoing government shutdown. Tomasky argues that Democrats can potentially force President Donald Trump to cave, but only if they leverage the right tactics.
In an analysis published Monday in The New Republic, Tomasky stated, “If the Democrats stick together, they can win this and make Trump cave.” He highlighted three powerful tools Democrats can utilize to their advantage. With the shutdown now affecting government services and impacting millions, the clock is ticking for lawmakers to act decisively.
The last government shutdown, which lasted 35 days from late 2018, remains the longest in U.S. history, primarily driven by Trump’s demands for funding for a border wall. Although Trump ultimately retreated in that instance, the current political landscape presents different challenges for Democrats.
Tomasky emphasizes the importance of healthcare issues, specifically the Affordable Care Act. He notes that 21.4 million Americans rely on these healthcare exchanges, and polling indicates that a staggering 78% of voters support extending ACA subsidies. Even among self-identified “MAGA supporters,” a significant 57% back this extension. “It’s working,” Tomasky asserts, urging Democrats to prioritize this issue.
He also points to the potential backlash against the Trump administration’s moves to purge federal workers during the shutdown. Should this happen, it would serve as a “huge political gift for Democrats,” as voters are already disillusioned with the administration’s chaos.
Moreover, Tomasky believes that drawing a direct connection between the turmoil of the Trump presidency and the current shutdown could resonate with voters. He states, “[Voters] surely know by now… that Trump sows chaos. A long shutdown is the definition of chaos.” By consistently framing the narrative around Trump’s role in the chaos, Democrats could strengthen their position.
As tensions escalate, the political landscape continues to shift. Meanwhile, Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-LA) stirred controversy by criticizing the NFL’s decision to feature Puerto Rican rapper Bad Bunny at the Super Bowl, using it to call for English to be made the official language of the U.S. Her comments add another layer to the already heated political discourse surrounding the shutdown.
In a separate development, 139 immigration judges have been dismissed or transferred since Trump returned to office in January, highlighting the administration’s ongoing efforts to reshape immigration policy. This further complicates the political environment as the shutdown continues, with public sentiment swaying against the administration’s tactics.
With the situation evolving rapidly, Democrats are faced with a pivotal moment. As they consider their strategies, the urgency to act is paramount. The coming days will be critical as lawmakers navigate the intricacies of the shutdown and seek to capitalize on the opportunities presented by the current political climate.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops.
