Slate News What Next | The Democrats Have Leverage. Will They Use It?
Sep 9, 2025
Rep. Jamie Raskin, a U.S. representative from Maryland's 8th Congressional District, discusses the precarious position of Democrats amidst a Republican-controlled Congress. He explores the potential of using a government shutdown as leverage against Donald Trump's agenda. Raskin highlights the moral dilemmas in budget negotiations, particularly regarding healthcare subsidies and authoritarianism. He calls for grassroots activism to combat rising political tensions, emphasizing the need for unity against threats to democracy.
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Constituents Fired Without Due Process
- Raskin represents 55,000 federal workers and thousands lost jobs without due process.
- He describes constituent work blending with Capitol Hill defense of rights amid firings and attacks.
Leverage Lies With Republicans
- Republicans control the House, Senate, White House, and the Supreme Court, so they bear responsibility for funding decisions.
- Democrats can only leverage negotiation if Republicans stop using government as an instrument of authoritarian oppression.
Condition Funding On Protecting Institutions
- Do not fund authoritarian actions; condition support on concrete protections for rights and institutions.
- Use injunctions and legal safeguards as bargaining points in budget talks when possible.
