The Ezra Klein Show What Were Democrats Thinking?
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Nov 10, 2025 The podcast dives into the Democrats' strategy surrounding a potential government shutdown. It examines the motivations behind the shutdown as a challenge to Trump's agenda and the importance of Affordable Care Act subsidies. The discussion highlights modest wins from the shutdown deal, including support for federal programs. Intriguingly, it questions the political implications of extending these subsidies for Republicans. Finally, it assesses whether the decision to end the shutdown was a wise move for the party's long-term health.
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Democrats Had Unusual Early Momentum
- Democrats were winning public opinion during the shutdown, a rare advantage for the opposition party.
- The political moment made the shutdown more about opposing Trump's authoritarianism than strictly about ACA subsidies.
The Deal Offered Minimal Long-Term Wins
- The deal ending the shutdown gave little on the ACA tax credits and mostly short-term funding.
- Most government funding was extended only until the end of January, risking another shutdown soon.
ACA Subsidies Held The Coalition Together
- The ACA subsidies served as a unifying but narrow demand that held the Democratic caucus together.
- That narrow focus meant the shutdown rested on a fragile, politically expedient foundation.