The Bulwark Podcast Will Saletan: Sorry, but the Democrats Won the Shutdown
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Nov 10, 2025 
Will Saletan, an insightful opinion writer, dives deep into the recent government shutdown. He argues that the Democrats emerged stronger, shifting the focus to healthcare and showing resilience against Republican antics. Will discusses the chaotic messaging from Republicans and the elite image projected by Trump’s lavish events. They also touch on troubling deportation policies and legal risks tied to administration priorities, concluding that pro-democracy forces must unite against these challenges.
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Ending Immediate Harm Was Strategic
- The shutdown pain was real and Democrats prioritized ending immediate suffering over maximal political theater.
- Will Saletan argues that alleviating hunger, furloughs, and safety risks was the correct short-term move while keeping the fight alive later.
Shutdown Made Republicans Own Healthcare
- The shutdown accomplished its political aim of making Republicans own healthcare policy failures.
- Tim Miller says Democrats showed they can fight and can run on rising premiums and Republican choices next year.
Democrats Pushed The Debate Public
- Senate Democrats pushed to the limit and refused a clean continuing resolution, forcing the issue into the open.
- Saletan believes that pushing the debate public keeps healthcare front and center for future votes.
