The Michael Knowles Show Ep. 1853 - Are Dems Finally Ending The Longest Shutdown In History?
Nov 10, 2025
After a surprising 41-day shutdown, Democrats have decided to reopen the government, raising questions about their political strategy. The discussion also delves into the potential for the Supreme Court to reconsider same-sex marriage, referencing a significant petition. In a more philosophical turn, Pope Leo XIV addresses internet addictions, linking them to moral issues. Lastly, the impact of technology on political and social change is explored, tracing its historical roots and current implications.
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Shutdown Was A Political Gambit
- Democrats engineered a 41-day shutdown largely to influence Virginia elections rather than win policy concessions.
- The episode frames the shutdown as a political stunt that ultimately failed to extract meaningful policy gains.
Senate Flip Exposed Democratic Weakness
- Eight Democrats sided with Republicans to break the filibuster and reopen funding through January 30th.
- Knowles argues this exposed Democrats' lack of leverage and turned the shutdown into a tactical loss.
Shutdown Helped Virginia Democrats
- Knowles recounts how the shutdown sidelined 300,000 federal workers, creating political space for Democrats in Virginia.
- He credits that effect with helping Democrats win key statewide races despite the broader failure.
