The Commentary Magazine Podcast Shutdown for What?
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Nov 10, 2025 The podcast dives into the surprising end of the government shutdown, with eight senators supporting a Republican deal. It explores Trump’s provocative $2,000 tariff proposal and its political implications. The internal chaos at the BBC is unveiled, highlighting their misrepresentation of Trump and controversial coverage decisions on trans issues. The discussion also touches on Chuck Schumer's waning influence and the impact of protest movements on voter turnout, all packed with insightful commentary and analysis.
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Shutdown Ended By Democratic Breakaways
- The government shutdown ended because eight non-Democratic senators broke with their party to approve the Republican bill.
- Eliana Johnson says Democrats largely caved and the shutdown achieved little beyond political signaling.
Shutdown Was Political Performance
- Ezra Klein argued Democrats cared less about subsidies and more about fighting Trump for symbolic reasons.
- John Podhoretz adds the shutdown functioned as a partisan protest rather than a policy fight.
Stick To Strategy Despite Negative Coverage
- Republicans (Johnson and Thune) ignored negative polls and media and stuck to their strategy throughout the shutdown.
- Mark Halperin noted that resilience to media pressure can win political standoffs.
