The Daily Signal Victor Davis Hanson: Democrats Lost Control. Now, You Pay With the Government Shutdown.
Oct 24, 2025
The podcast dissects the ongoing government shutdown, highlighting its historical significance and the Democrats' strategy behind it. Victor Davis Hanson argues that recent decisions tied to open borders and other contentious issues have alienated public support. He explores the internal rifts within the Democratic Party, driven by generational conflicts and extreme positions. The discussion reveals how the shutdown ultimately harms everyday Americans while Republicans must navigate a challenging political landscape to resolve the crisis.
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Why Shutdowns Happen And Public Backlash
- Government shutdowns happen when the out-of-power party blocks funding to exert leverage after losing control of branches of government.
- Public opinion usually turns against the party that caused the shutdown once everyday services and paychecks are disrupted.
ACA Subsidies As The Stated Pretext
- The advertised reason for the shutdown is the expiration of Obamacare subsidies and disputes over extending them.
- Hanson argues the subsidies grew from the ACA's unaffordability and predictable cost overruns.
Chaos To Shift Blame Onto Trump
- One strategic goal of provoking chaos is to hurt former President Trump politically by creating turmoil voters will blame on him.
- Hanson says Democrats hope economic or social disruption will shift blame onto Trump and his allies.