The Powers That Be: Daily

The Dems’ Great Shutdown Surrender

Nov 11, 2025
Leigh Ann Caldwell, a seasoned Capitol Hill reporter, dives into the intricacies of the imminent government shutdown resolution. She reveals the key Senate Democrats who defied their base to compromise with Republicans, shedding light on their motivations. The discussion also touches on Chuck Schumer's wavering leadership, raising questions about his future. With potential roadblocks like abortion politics in ACA talks, Leigh Ann offers an insider's perspective on the uncertain future of bipartisan negotiations and the political landscape ahead.
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INSIGHT

Shutdown Likely To End Quickly

  • The government is likely to reopen this week after a short-term funding deal that runs through January.
  • Administration support and bipartisan willingness make continued shutdown politics mostly performative.
INSIGHT

Moderates Drove The Reopening Push

  • A group of eight senators, led by moderates and former governors, drove the push to reopen despite party and base anger.
  • They prioritized ending dysfunction and restoring services over holding out for ACA subsidy concessions.
INSIGHT

The December Vote Gambit

  • Senators trusted Republican promises for a December vote on ACA subsidies as a pragmatic compromise.
  • They believed pressure points like Thanksgiving and Trump's rhetoric made Republicans more likely to act later.
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