The Rachel Maddow Show Maddow: Democrats snatch defeat from the jaws of victory (again)
62 snips
Nov 11, 2025 
Bernie Sanders, the U.S. Senator from Vermont and a prominent progressive leader, joins to share his frustrations with the Senate's recent vote to end the shutdown, criticizing how it undermines the Democratic momentum built from recent election victories. He emphasizes the need for accountability within the party and advocates for primary challenges against establishment candidates. Additionally, he highlights the potential negative implications of the shutdown deal on healthcare, including rising premiums and Medicaid cuts.
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Synchronized Swimmers Amid Policy Cuts
- Maddow recounted Trump's Great Gatsby-style party with synchronized swimmers while his administration sued to stop food stamp funding.
- The contrast illustrated perceived hypocrisy between Trump's private extravagance and public policy harming Americans.
Momentum Undermined By Strategic Capitulation
- Democrats had maximum political momentum after huge protests and election wins but failed to leverage it on the shutdown fight.
- Eight Democratic senators voted to end the shutdown with no meaningful concessions, undercutting their leverage.
Politicized U.S. Attorney Appointments Risk Backfire
- Trump-installed U.S. attorneys with little experience have launched high-profile prosecutions against his political opponents.
- Upcoming court challenges may expose these appointments as politically motivated and legally vulnerable.
