Economist Podcasts They need to talk about Kevin: America’s near-shutdown
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Oct 2, 2023 
Daniel Franklin, Deputy US Editor for The Economist, discusses the potential fallout from the recent deal to avert a government shutdown, which could jeopardize Kevin McCarthy's leadership. Mike Bird, Asia business and finance editor, shares insights on the electric scooter boom in Asia, highlighting China's dominance and India's emerging role. Catherine Nixie, Britain correspondent, delves into Britain’s risk registers, revealing the underlying statistics predicting national disasters and the challenges of preparedness. A thought-provoking blend of politics and innovation!
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Temporary Shutdown Fix
- The US Congress averted a government shutdown with a temporary deal.
- This might be a short-lived win for Kevin McCarthy, as it required Democratic support, angering Republican hardliners.
Hardliners' Fury
- Republican hardliners, furious with McCarthy's compromise, now threaten his speakership.
- They originally demanded deep spending cuts and halting Ukraine funding, terms unlikely to pass a Democrat-controlled Senate.
McCarthy's Gamble
- McCarthy tried to appease hardliners while knowing their demands were improbable, risking a shutdown unpopular with voters.
- He ultimately conceded, securing Democratic votes by dropping spending cut demands and Ukraine funding.