The Reason Roundtable Did Democrats Blow It on the Government Shutdown?
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Nov 11, 2025 
Join Jerusalem Demsas, editor in chief of The Argument, as she delves into the aftermath of the government shutdown and its implications for Democrats. The discussion touches on the renewed focus on healthcare and Obamacare subsidies, scrutinizing both parties' lack of a cohesive health vision. Demsas also explores the significance of Zohran Mamdani's victory in New York, highlighting tensions between the abundance agenda and progressive politics. The conversation wraps up with a provocative debate on whether healthcare reform should prioritize expanding physician supply or redesigning insurance.
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Shutdowns Are Mostly Political Theater
- Government shutdown theatrics rarely change long-term policy outcomes and mostly create chaos.
- Matt Welch argues shutdowns are political theater that rarely achieve the stated goals.
Don't Do ATC Reform At Gunpoint
- Air traffic control reform shouldn't be forced through at the point of a shutdown.
- Matt Welch and Peter Suderman urge non-governmental policy work to design safe alternatives.
Health Care Was A Political Choice
- Democrats chose health care to spotlight during the shutdown because it's electorally powerful.
- Jerusalem Demsas says the health-care focus won attention but produced few concrete policy wins.
