The Playbook Podcast The shutdown is ending. Now what?
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Nov 12, 2025 After a record-breaking 43-day government shutdown, lawmakers face internal strife as both parties regroup. Democrats grapple with dissent from within, sparked by a few defections to the Republicans. Meanwhile, infighting over the Epstein files highlights rifts in the GOP, especially within the MAGA base. Key discussions revolve around the party's identity in a post-Trump landscape and the risk of losing electability. As Washington reopens, lawmakers confront the backlog of work and challenges ahead.
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Both Parties Are Internally Fractured
- Both parties are experiencing internal fights simultaneously, a rare moment where neither side is unified.
- This reflects deeper struggles about each party's future direction as the post‑Trump era approaches.
GOP Is Debating Its Post‑Trump Identity
- The Tucker Carlson–Nick Fuentes episode exposed a philosophical fight in the GOP about its future identity.
- Republicans are contesting how hardline to be on immigration and what post‑Trump conservatism looks like.
No Clear Leaders Heading Toward 2028
- Both parties lack an obvious future leader, making 2028 a pivotal realignment moment.
- That vacuum risks fracturing coalitions and producing unpredictable electoral outcomes.