Here & Now Anytime Why Democrats may have 'wind at their back' after shutdown fight
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Nov 11, 2025 Jim Kessler, former legislative director for Senator Schumer, discusses why some Democrats defected during the shutdown fight, revealing tensions within the party. Teresa Gaffney explains the FDA's decision to remove outdated warnings on menopause hormone therapies, shedding light on its implications for women's health. Meanwhile, Navy Lt. Terry A. Roberts reflects on his experiences as a Marine Corps chaplain, emphasizing the importance of support and leadership for young soldiers, especially on Veterans Day.
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Shutdown Fight Gave Democrats Momentum
- Jim Kessler argues Democrats gained political momentum from standing up during the 40-day shutdown fight.
- He says the fight made health care affordability the clear issue and put Republicans on the defensive.
Push Longer When Options Are Limited
- Kessler suggests Democrats should have prolonged the fight a bit longer to extract more concessions.
- He recommends leveraging communications and public pressure when legislative tools are limited.
Local Politics Shaped Senate Defections
- Kessler notes defections reflected senators' state-specific pressures, not just ideology.
- Senators from states with many federal workers or dependent voters face different incentives.