The Playbook Podcast December 20, 2024: Who’s to blame if there’s a shutdown?
Dec 20, 2024
As a government shutdown looms, tensions within the Republican party rise dramatically. Speaker Mike Johnson's spending deal collapses, largely thanks to President-elect Donald Trump's influence and a surprising number of GOP defectors. The landscape looks grim as key players jockey for blame and power. Meanwhile, the potential repercussions for federal employees and military pay during the holidays add urgency to the situation. The backdrop of international tensions with Canada over tariffs further complicates this chaotic political scene.
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Republican Disunity
- Republican representatives defied Trump, Johnson, and Musk, revealing a division within the party.
- This division empowers Democrats and fuels public cynicism about political deal-making.
Filibuster Power
- A future Republican Senate majority won't solve the GOP's internal division.
- The filibuster will persist, giving Democrats leverage regardless of a Trump presidency.
Paths Forward
- Speaker Johnson faces a dilemma: returning to a bipartisan approach risks right-wing anger.
- A minimal approach or splitting the bill are options, but a shutdown is most likely.