A pivotal week in American politics has begun, with significant ramifications for Donald Trump's second term, his fellow Republicans, and a Democratic Party trying to rebuild from the devastation of the 2024 election.
Now in its 34th day, the government shutdown is just 48 hours away from setting a new record for duration. However, the suffering of millions of Americans who are currently barely making ends meet on zero salaries, or who run the possibility of losing access to essential food aid or health care, is far greater than any political stake.
Now in its 34th day, the government shutdown is just 48 hours away from setting a new record for duration. However, the suffering of millions of Americans who are currently barely making ends meet on zero salaries, or who run the possibility of losing access to essential food aid or health care, is far greater than any political stake.
The administration doesn't seem to care. People will be hungry as the holidays approach. At a food pantry in suburban Maryland, Janis, a government employee and the daughter and granddaughter of veterans, told CNN's Camila DeChalus, "We are the land of opportunity, and it doesn't look like it."
Trump doesn't seem to care about political appearances or the possibility that the shutdown could hurt him even more in the eyes of the majority of Americans who are fed up with his second term. He talked about the swish restoration of a toilet at the White House and threw a Halloween party at his opulent Florida club with a "Great Gatsby" theme to convey a sense of gilded indifference.
Trump, in an aggressive interview on CBS' "60 Minutes" on Sunday, showed no signs of seeking a solution short of a complete loss for Democrats, whom he referred to as "crazed lunatics." Eventually, he predicted, the opposition party would "have to" give in and vote to open the government.
Trump, in an aggressive interview on CBS' "60 Minutes" on Sunday, showed no signs of seeking a solution short of a complete loss for Democrats, whom he referred to as "crazed lunatics." Eventually, he predicted, the opposition party would "have to" give in and vote to open the government.
By reiterating calls for hesitant Senate Republicans to break the filibuster rule and reopen the government with a simple majority vote, the president has complicated GOP considerations. GOP leaders worry that a future Democratic majority may be emboldened by this.
"The Republicans must become more stern. We can do everything we want if the filibuster is broken. Trump declared on "60 Minutes" that "we're not going to lose power."
"The Republicans must become more stern. We can do everything we want if the filibuster is broken. Trump declared on "60 Minutes" that "we're not going to lose power."
A few crucial elections on Tuesday could help break the standoff and give a new twist to the nation's resentful politics, which led to the Washington shutdown catastrophe. Or maybe they'll only make things worse.
The first significant decision on Trump's second term will be made by voters in the Democratic-led gubernatorial contests in Virginia and New Jersey. In a party divided between skepticism about his ideology and excitement about his youth, Zohran Mamdani, a democratic socialist, might become a household name in the New York mayoral election. Trump, who portrays the 34-year-old as the far-left face of his opposing party, would also have a new opponent if Mamdani defeated the old guard of former Governor Andrew Cuomo.
Ahead of the midterm elections next year, voters in California will have to decide whether to alter the congressional map to give Democrats a majority of seats in response to Trump's similar actions in Texas and other places. California Governor Gavin Newsom, who is asserting a national leadership position in anticipation of a likely 2028 presidential candidacy, would greatly benefit from their backing.
The everyday chaos and extremes of the second Trump period will be the backdrop for the midterms and the growing anguish over the shutdown, which Senate Democrats started on October 1 in an attempt to pressure Republicans to extend Obamacare subsidies. Arguments about Trump's "Liberation Day" tariffs, which sparked a worldwide trade war, will be heard by the Supreme Court on Wednesday. The judges' ultimate ruling might either affirm Trump's claim of emergency powers in yet another massive extension of presidential power or set up a confrontation with the administrative branch.
The administration's strikes against what it alleges are drug traffickers' vessels in the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean are causing a growing problem, which is rooted in the same fundamental question: is Trump unlawfully acting on powers not authorized by the Constitution? The administration is accused by critics of violating the law by acting without congressional approval and of carrying out extrajudicial k?llings. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has prohibited subordinates from discussing the strikes with Congress without first obtaining permission, and the White House has failed to provide the American people with any evidence or explanation for its actions.
As the record draws near, shutdown suffering intensifies.
Pressure on both parties to end the impasse is intensifying on Capitol Hill.
Pressure on both parties to end the impasse is intensifying on Capitol Hill.
Open enrollment began on Saturday, bringing the reality of rising health care rates for individuals covered by the Affordable Care Act home. The expenses of treatment and medications were already expected to lead premiums to increase dramatically. However, as subsidies expire, prices are skyrocketing beyond the means of many policyholders. For this reason, Democrats tried to force a showdown to get Republicans to do something by using their lone weapon in Washington, the power to obstruct the majority of Senate legislation.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries stated on CNN's "State of the Union" Sunday that "we want to make sure that we can decisively address the Republican health care crisis, which is crushing people all across the country."
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries stated on CNN's "State of the Union" Sunday that "we want to make sure that we can decisively address the Republican health care crisis, which is crushing people all across the country."
By now, Democrats may have declared victory if the conflict had been limited to health care.
However, they caused millions of federal employees to go on furlough, forcing others to work without compensation, by shutting down the government. Due to this, over 40 million people may lose their food stamps, and as Thanksgiving approaches, air travel is being disrupted.
However, they caused millions of federal employees to go on furlough, forcing others to work without compensation, by shutting down the government. Due to this, over 40 million people may lose their food stamps, and as Thanksgiving approaches, air travel is being disrupted.
Democrats accuse Trump of withholding emergency cash they say could partially cover food stamps for this month, charges that have been supported by numerous federal judges.
However, the shutdown's severe disruption and expenses are upending standard political calculations and could prevent any party from winning by a landslide. Jeffries told Tapper, "It's very unfortunate that Republicans and Donald Trump have chosen to withhold SNAP benefits and weaponize hunger."
However, House Speaker Mike Johnson noted that if Democrats had acceded to GOP demands to restore the government before negotiations on Obamacare subsidies, the shutdown's wider suffering would not have happened.
However, the shutdown's severe disruption and expenses are upending standard political calculations and could prevent any party from winning by a landslide. Jeffries told Tapper, "It's very unfortunate that Republicans and Donald Trump have chosen to withhold SNAP benefits and weaponize hunger."
However, House Speaker Mike Johnson noted that if Democrats had acceded to GOP demands to restore the government before negotiations on Obamacare subsidies, the shutdown's wider suffering would not have happened.
Johnson stated on "Fox News Sunday" that "I don't know how they can believe they're winning, if it were indeed a game to them." The Republican from Louisiana claimed that Trump had proposed talks and was "desperate" to restore the government. The Republican demand that the government reopen so that negotiations may take place, and the Democratic view that such offers are unreliable, are the main points of contention.
Trump declared on "60 Minutes" that he was prepared to address the issue of Obamacare subsidies. "That needs to be fixed. Make it right. And we can repair it with the Democrats,” he said. "We'll fix it; all they need to do is let the country open."
However, as has been the case during both of his mandates, the president did not present a comprehensive strategy to lower the cost of health care.
However, as has been the case during both of his mandates, the president did not present a comprehensive strategy to lower the cost of health care.
Senators continue to look for an off-ramp
Some senators, both Republican and Democratic, have been casually discussing a short-term government funding mechanism. However, it appears that Trump has no intention of renouncing his demands to end the filibuster. This suggests that this shutdown is different. The president has demonstrated that the standard reasoning of shutdown politics may not hold true and that he is willing to inflict suffering on anyone in order to achieve his political objectives. Democratic leaders need to figure out how to create an off-ramp that would allow them to claim triumph, even while Democratic supporters are demanding that their party stand up to Trump.
Some senators, both Republican and Democratic, have been casually discussing a short-term government funding mechanism. However, it appears that Trump has no intention of renouncing his demands to end the filibuster. This suggests that this shutdown is different. The president has demonstrated that the standard reasoning of shutdown politics may not hold true and that he is willing to inflict suffering on anyone in order to achieve his political objectives. Democratic leaders need to figure out how to create an off-ramp that would allow them to claim triumph, even while Democratic supporters are demanding that their party stand up to Trump.
There are also growing red flags for Republicans and Trump. According to recent polls, extending the increased Obamacare subsidies is the Democrats' #1 demand. Additionally, a Washington Post-ABC News poll conducted Thursday found that 45%–33% of Americans blamed Trump and the GOP for the closure, more than Democrats. The CNN Poll of Polls average for the president's approval rating is just 41%.
However, the public's contempt for Democrats is making it more difficult for the party to take advantage of Trump's problems. According to a Post poll, 68% of respondents believed the GOP was out of touch with the majority of Americans. Additionally, according to a CBS News poll, 56% of respondents disagreed of Trump's handling of the shutdown, while 55% agreed with the way Republicans and Democrats in Congress are handling the matter.
However, the public's contempt for Democrats is making it more difficult for the party to take advantage of Trump's problems. According to a Post poll, 68% of respondents believed the GOP was out of touch with the majority of Americans. Additionally, according to a CBS News poll, 56% of respondents disagreed of Trump's handling of the shutdown, while 55% agreed with the way Republicans and Democrats in Congress are handling the matter.
Trump's uncompromising methods are essentially forcing Democrats to weigh the anguish of individuals who could lose nutrition benefits against the misery of citizens who risk losing health coverage. This is a danger sign for Democrats.
Sen. John Fetterman, a Democrat from Pennsylvania, wants to reopen government to address shortages in food aid and health care. Fetterman stated on "State of the Union" that "I absolutely, absolutely support these things, but this is the wrong tactic."
Sen. John Fetterman, a Democrat from Pennsylvania, wants to reopen government to address shortages in food aid and health care. Fetterman stated on "State of the Union" that "I absolutely, absolutely support these things, but this is the wrong tactic."
And by doing this, our government shuts down right now, so we're not getting any of those things. They also ensure that you won't receive your SNAP payments or the tax credits that we all require, Fetterman added. "We can find a way forward if we reopen this."
How will the shutdown drama change with Tuesday's election?
Whether a Democratic sweep in New Jersey, Virginia, New York, and the California redistricting initiative might change Republican shutdown strategies is an interesting subject this week. The midterm elections are about a year away, and Republicans may fear.
Whether a Democratic sweep in New Jersey, Virginia, New York, and the California redistricting initiative might change Republican shutdown strategies is an interesting subject this week. The midterm elections are about a year away, and Republicans may fear.
Johnson argued on Sunday that the standoff might end because the opposition party would no longer need to use it as a point of contention as voters make their choices. Johnson would lose his position as speaker if Democrats regain control of the House next year. In a virtual appearance Saturday, he told the Republican Jewish Coalition leadership conference, "We do have a sense that something may change next week."
However, a Republican from the lower echelons of the party cautioned Sunday that once the government is reopened, his party must lower the cost of health care. Republicans simply saying, 'We're just going to let it (the enhanced subsidies) go,' will make the midterm elections much more difficult. Rep. Jeff Van Drew of New Jersey said to CNN's Manu Raju on "Inside Politics Sunday," "We're not going to do anything."
Along with Trump's alleged excesses, the cost of living has influenced campaigning ahead of Tuesday's elections. Democratic gubernatorial candidate Abigail Spanberger stated on Saturday that "Voters in Virginia can and will send a message amid the recklessness and the heartlessness out of Washington."
Along with Trump's alleged excesses, the cost of living has influenced campaigning ahead of Tuesday's elections. Democratic gubernatorial candidate Abigail Spanberger stated on Saturday that "Voters in Virginia can and will send a message amid the recklessness and the heartlessness out of Washington."
New Jersey Democrats called Republican nominee Jack Ciattarelli a Trump operative. However, Ciattarelli called for change in a state that has occasionally selected Republican governors, and departing Democratic Governor Phil Murphy is also unpopular.
During his Saturday campaign stops in both states, former President Barack Obama demonstrated both the party's urgent need for fresh voices and his prominence as one of the few A-list national Democrats.
The stakes were clear, he told Norfolk, Virginia voters. "We don't have to make assumptions about the threats to our democracy. We don't have to question if those who are more vulnerable will suffer harm or how much more cruel and harsh our society can get. We have seen it. "Elections are important," he stated.
The stakes were clear, he told Norfolk, Virginia voters. "We don't have to make assumptions about the threats to our democracy. We don't have to question if those who are more vulnerable will suffer harm or how much more cruel and harsh our society can get. We have seen it. "Elections are important," he stated.
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