The NPR Politics Podcast No Budging From Congressional Leaders As Government Shutdown Begins
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Oct 1, 2025 The federal government has shut down for the first time since 2019, prompting intense negotiations that seem to be going nowhere. Experts analyze which party is faring better in the messaging war and delve into the political ramifications of previous voting dynamics. There’s discussion on the potential impacts of expiring ACA subsidies and the difficulty in negotiating separately among Republicans. Misinformation and AI-generated content add a twist to the dialogue, posing a challenge for Democrats in shaping public opinion.
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Stalemate Over Stopgap Votes
- Negotiations are at a standstill because Republicans keep re-voting a stopgap and need 60 votes in the Senate.
- Democrats have largely held firm, denying additional defections despite three earlier Democratic no votes.
Past Vote Shapes Current Resolve
- Democrats' earlier vote to avoid a March shutdown cost them credibility with their base.
- That pressure helps explain why many Democrats now resist conceding on the current fight.
Democratic Frustration Undermines Messaging
- Democrats in Congress suffer very low approval ratings, even within their own party, complicating unified messaging.
- That internal dissatisfaction raises expectations that Democrats should fight harder politically.
