Democrats, Senate and government shutdown
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There were seething accusations of capitulation at eight Democratic-aligned senators who broke ranks to join Republicans in voting to end the shutdown.
By and large, polls showed Republicans bore the blame for the shutdown by double digits and Democrats earned credit for chasing Obamacare subsidies. Both sides saw merit in sticking with the strategy, and heading into the weekend it seemed destined to keep in stasis.
Jon Stewart said Democrats squandered last week’s election wins, while Stephen Colbert said the party achieved “jack squat” from the shutdown.
The federal shutdown is on the verge of being resolved after more than 40 days, but for many Democrats, it wasn't a road to victory.
The moment for Democrats comes as the party looks to recapture both houses of Congress in the fall 2026 midterm elections.
Presidents Biden and Obama were senators. Expect that trend to end in 2028 as governors emerge as the Democratic Party's voice.