
GD POLITICS Who Won The Government Shutdown?
11 snips
Nov 10, 2025 Gabe Fleisher, the insightful author of the Wake Up To Politics newsletter and a savvy political commentator, joins the discussion about the recent government shutdown deal. They dive into why Democrats accepted a compromise despite public support for their position. Gabe reveals how the political landscape is evolving post-elections, cautioning against over-interpretation of off-year results. They also speculate about the Supreme Court's decisions, including a significant case on mail-in ballots, and discuss potential future implications for both parties.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Shutdown Ended Because Neither Side Had Votes
- The shutdown ended with a pragmatic middle-ground because neither side had the votes to win major demands.
- Moderates calculated ongoing pain would not produce an Obamacare deal, so they settled for a promise of a December vote.
Holiday Pressure Pushed Moderates To Compromise
- Moderates who agreed to the deal saw no credible path from the shutdown to an Obamacare subsidy win.
- They feared prolonged pain (holiday travel, SNAP uncertainty) without any sign of a healthcare concession.
Filibuster Was Relevant But Not Decisive
- The filibuster mattered but was not the decisive factor; both parties lacked votes for their ideal outcomes.
- The likely endgame was the predictable middle ground rather than a filibuster showdown or full Democratic victory.

