The Opinions ‘If You Don’t Want This Consequence, Don’t Vote for Republicans’
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Oct 4, 2025 The panel dives into the ramifications of the current government shutdown, exploring how this political chaos affects American citizens. They discuss whether this dysfunction signals deeper issues in democracy or just typical gridlock. The conversation addresses the challenges voters face in understanding the consequences of their choices, particularly for Republican supporters. Plus, insights on how Democrats can improve their messaging and strategy emerge, emphasizing the need for creativity and stronger leadership.
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Shutdowns Are Symptoms Of Congressional Breakdown
- Shutdowns reflect strategic choices by minority parties when ordinary congressional order collapses.
- Jamelle Bouie argues dysfunction and continuing resolutions create recurring shutdown terrain.
Reframe Demands Around Preventing Executive Overreach
- Democrats should reframe negotiations around constraining executive lawlessness, not primarily health-care minutiae.
- Bouie recommends demanding guarantees that prevent unilateral redirects and cuts by the administration.
Leverage Beats Capitulation Against Lawlessness
- Michelle Goldberg frames the choice as between capitulation and using limited leverage against a lawless president.
- She views refusal to yield as almost the only meaningful option given authoritarian risks.
