The Commentary Magazine Podcast The Shutdown Comedy
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Oct 1, 2025 The federal government faces a questionable shutdown as Democrats break ranks with Republicans. The hosts dive into the implications of a 'clean continuing resolution' and analyze the political stakes involved. Barak Ravid's scoop about Trump and Netanyahu sparks skepticism, while discussions on Hamas highlight obstacles to peace. The podcast also tackles how identity impacts Jewish voter behavior and the dynamic shifts within the Democratic Party. For a lighter note, they explore the cultural impact of 'Curb Your Enthusiasm,' showcasing Larry David's unique comedic style.
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Shutdown Caused By Policy Demands, Not Just Funding
- A "clean CR" simply extends current funding levels and avoids new policy changes.
- Democrats demanded policy concessions like ACA subsidies, turning a routine funding vote into a partisan showdown.
Cloture Is The Minority's Real Leverage
- Cloture requires 60 votes in the Senate and gives the minority outsized blocking power.
- Ending filibuster/cloture would shift legislative dynamics to simple majority rule and remove that minority leverage.
Filibuster Used Tactically By Both Parties
- Democrats used the filibuster as leverage to extract policy wins despite being the minority.
- Matt Continetti argues this is hypocritical because Democrats often want to abolish the filibuster in other contexts.
