The Ezra Klein Show If Democrats Have a Better Plan, I’d Like to Hear It
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Sep 7, 2025 The discussion kicks off with the looming government funding crisis and the dilemma Democrats face about backing a new spending bill under Trump's presidency. It dives into the alarming parallels between the current governance and authoritarian tactics, revealing how power is manipulated. The podcast further explores the Democrats' internal struggles and declining approval ratings as midterms approach. A pressing need for a proactive strategy before the 2026 elections is emphasized, urging a unified approach against rising Republican influence.
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March Vote Was A Power Calculation
- Schumer chose to fund the government in March because Democrats lacked coordinated power and readiness for a shutdown.
- That vote gave short-term stability but angered many Democrats who wanted to use leverage to fight Trump's actions.
Why Schumer Opposed A Shutdown Then
- Schumer argued shutting down would empower Trump by weakening courts and increasing executive discretion.
- Klein agreed then because Democrats lacked a clear shutdown strategy or public messaging.
Court Checks Have Weakened
- The legal and institutional constraints that once checked Trump have eroded, notably via favorable Supreme Court rulings.
- That shift means the old rationale for avoiding a shutdown no longer holds, Klein argues.