The DSR Network Words Matter: “Budgets? We Don’t Need No Stinkin’ Budgets!”
Sep 25, 2025
Norm Ornstein, a renowned congressional scholar, joins David Rothkopf to dissect the looming government shutdown influenced by the Trump administration. They explore the implications of the OMB firing memo and debate whether Democrats will effectively counter GOP maneuvers. Ornstein highlights the erosion of Congress's budget authority, defining the situation as a constitutional crisis. They also discuss the media's failure to cover corruption and the dangers of national security decisions intertwined with political profit motives, amplifying the urgent need for accountability.
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Shutdown Signs Aims To Dismantle Government
- The OMB memo about firing federal employees signals ownership of a shutdown and a desire to shrink government functionally.
- Mass firings would force costly re-hires and disrupt services disliked even by Trump voters.
Use Leverage—Don’t Cave At First Pressure
- Resist caving early to avoid normalizing future abuses; use shutdown leverage to force concessions.
- Expect some Republicans to blink and plan for pressure moments to hold firm strategically.
Build A Daily Unified Messaging Operation
- Democrats should build a disciplined nightly message operation and push a unified narrative about who causes the shutdown.
- Do this early and consistently to prevent right-wing media from defining the story and forcing Democrats to cave.