What Next | Daily News and Analysis The Democrats Have Leverage. Will They Use It?
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Sep 9, 2025 
Jamie Raskin, U.S. representative for Maryland's 8th District and former constitutional law professor, dives into the pressing dilemmas facing the Democrats amid a Republican-controlled Congress. He talks about the urgent choice of a government shutdown as a leverage point against Trump's agenda. The conversation highlights the ethical implications of budget compromises on democracy and the complexities of navigating bipartisan negotiations. Raskin emphasizes the need for collaboration and active public participation to preserve democratic values in today's climate.
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Power Lies With Republican Control
- Republicans control the House, Senate, White House, and therefore the budget process and responsibility for keeping government open.
- Democrats can condition cooperation on stopping authoritarian uses of federal power before funding further erosion of institutions.
Condition Funding On Protecting Rights
- Do not fund authoritarian actions; condition budget support on protections for constitutional rights and institutional safeguards.
- Use litigation outcomes and injunctions as benchmarks for negotiating what to fund.
Shutdowns Hurt But Context Matters
- Government shutdowns traditionally hurt both service recipients and federal workers and are wasteful.
- But under Trump the government is also being used as a weapon against political opponents, complicating the usual calculus.
