To The Contrary with Charlie Sykes Nicholas Grossman: No, The Dems Did Not Win The Shutdown
Nov 11, 2025
Political scientist Nicholas Grossman discusses the Democrats' unexpected surrender during the shutdown crisis. He critiques the timing and strategy behind their decision, highlighting a missed opportunity to leverage Senate norms. Grossman also addresses Trump's pardons and the Heritage Foundation's shift, expressing concerns over eroding conservative principles. The conversation touches on the implications of the shutdown decision for party leadership and the rising anger within the Democratic base, pointing to a possible call for change.
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Normal Democracy Mindset Failed
- Democrats folded after a costly shutdown, revealing a "normal democracy" mindset unsuited to resisting authoritarian tactics.
- Nicholas Grossman argues the party needed to use leverage, not concede early, to slow democratic backsliding.
Folding Rewarded Hostage Taking
- Holding out could have forced Republican concessions or exposed their unpopular positions in ads, creating leverage for Democrats.
- Grossman says ceding early rewarded hostage-taking and left Democrats weaker politically and institutionally.
Rethink Treating Filibuster As Holy
- Reevaluate sacred institutional rules like the filibuster instead of treating them as untouchable constraints.
- Use majority rules strategically when the minority weaponizes delay tactics that undermine democracy.
