The Democrats capitulated, but the Republicans also have a problem. The shutdown never has a winner and no political party emerges from it with a stronger position - especially when it lasts 43 days, the author comments.
A problem for Republicans and an even bigger problem for Democrats
During these 43 days, tens of thousands of administration officials did not receive salaries, and government orders were frozen. Social programs were suspended, hundreds of planes did not take off, because air traffic controllers were also not paid. Now, however, Americans are returning to normal life.
Has this shutdown brought anything? No, except for one problem for Republicans and an even bigger problem for Democrats. Because the opposition capitulated. Not all of them - seven Democratic senators and one independent who usually votes with them - were enough to break the unity of Democrats in their fight against Trump and the Republicans in the Senate. Their colleagues in the Lower House of Congress - the House of Representatives - have no chance of stopping the budget.
The eight breakaways have united with the Republicans. Meanwhile, there is talk of a “political catastrophe“, “a pitiful job“ “a tragic act“ - and of “capitulation“. And that is exactly what happened: capitulation, writes Nina Barth. The signal that was given was: we cannot win the battle against Trump and his Republicans.
Health insurance for millions of Americans is hanging in the balance
Eight votes were enough to reach a compromise that is not really a compromise at all. Because with it, the Democrats achieved too little. The civil servants who were fired during the shutdown will be returned to work - but that has already been decided by a judge. Federal employees who were on forced leave will receive their salaries retroactively. Until now, this has been a common practice that Trump has questioned. It has gotten to the point that even the implementation of the current law is now considered a success, writes ARD.
What the Democrats failed to achieve was the goal they had set themselves with this blockade: to continue to provide the cash supplements that guarantee health insurance to millions of Americans. The eight senators decided: enough is enough, we have no chance of winning, let's limit the damage. They have taken care of the people in their states.
And the Democrats were in a strong position
When it's clear that you've taken a doomed position, perhaps the best thing to do is admit defeat. But the moment they chose was almost absurd. The Democrats were in their best shape in a long time. Last week, they won very important elections in the country by a landslide. Trump's approval rating was plummeting. During the shutdown, he focused on renovating the White House, posting photos of his new bathroom and playing golf. At the same time, the lines at food banks were getting longer and longer, and most voters blamed the Republicans.
It's hard to understand why the Democrats gave up at this particular moment. Voters were looking for someone to stand up for them, writes Nina Barth. Someone to stand up to Trump. They need politicians who will fight. Last week’s election results made that clear. But Democrats have run out of steam. They’ve fought and accomplished little. Many voters will give that assessment of the past few weeks.
The midterm elections will provide the final assessment
But Republicans also have a problem: their refusal to extend health care subsidies. Millions of Americans will hold them accountable — and rightly so.
Republicans are under pressure to deliver results. Especially those who are up for reelection. That may be the fuel Democrats need in the campaign for next year’s congressional midterm elections. But before that, they will leave the battlefield as losers, summarizes Rebecca Bart for ARD.
Author: Rebecca Bart ARD