Intro

A showdown between House Republicans and their leader, Speaker Kevin McCarthy, is heading toward a government shutdown.

Carl Hulse, chief Washington correspondent for The Times, explains the causes and consequences of the looming crisis.

Guest: Carl Hulse, is chief Washington correspondent for The New York Times.

Background reading: 

• How a small minority of right-wing Republicans succeeded in sowing mass dysfunction, spoiling for a shutdown, an impeachment and a House coup.
• As a government shutdown looms, Speaker McCarthy is toiling to turn the fight over federal spending into a battle over border security.
• President Biden’s shutdown strategy is simple: Avoid one, if possible. But if not, make sure Americans know where to place the blame.

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