2WAY Tonight with Mark Halperin Angry Democrats "Blame Schumer" for Shutdown Defeat: Speculation Over Majority Leader's Future Grows
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Nov 12, 2025 Hogan Gidley, a former Trump White House press aide, and Steve Elmendorf, a seasoned Democratic strategist, discuss the fallout from the recent government shutdown. Gidley blames Chuck Schumer and the Democrats, while Elmendorf highlights internal party dynamics and the progressive pressure on leadership. The duo also tackles healthcare affordability and the GOP's lack of a coherent plan, alongside debates on accountability in journalism and the impact of private communications on politics. Their insightful back-and-forth offers a captivating glimpse into current congressional tensions.
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Party Banter Illustrates Off-Record Norms
- Mark Halperin describes meeting Hogan at a party where Hogan joked about things he wouldn't want published.
- He uses the story to introduce norms about off-the-record trust between colleagues.
Shutdown Backlash Focused On Leadership Or Pocketbook?
- Online outrage targeted Chuck Schumer after the shutdown despite wider public focus on affordability.
- Steve Elmendorf argues caucus leadership fights are less relevant to voters than pocketbook issues.
Offer A Clear Healthcare Plan Or Stay Silent
- Republicans need to present concrete healthcare proposals if they want to criticize the ACA effectively.
- Steve Elmendorf insists: if you oppose Obamacare, publish a clear alternative and own the policy debate.