What Next | Daily News and Analysis Shutting Down and Finding Out
10 snips
Oct 27, 2025 
Jonathan V. Last, Editor at The Bulwark and political commentator, dives into the troubling dynamics of the ongoing government shutdown. He explores why past strategies for resolution are ineffective today and discusses how the president is using the situation to his advantage. Jonathan raises concerns about the implications of stifled bipartisanship and the risks of sliding toward authoritarianism. He also advocates for the Democrats to demand significant concessions to reopen negotiations, questioning the future of American democracy.
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Shutdown Feels Like No One's Emergency
- The current shutdown lacks usual political pressure because officials act like it's not happening and business continues.
- That absence of visible pain removes incentives for a quick resolution and prolongs the stalemate.
Selective Funding As Political Tool
- Jonathan Last argues the president can selectively fund parts of government and reward loyal constituencies.
- That selective funding lets him pursue political goals during the shutdown with minimal pushback.
Minimizing Pain Lowers Political Pressure
- Trump chose to minimize visible disruption rather than dramatize dysfunction, unlike previous presidents.
- This strategy reduces public outrage and weakens pressure to end the shutdown quickly.
