Congressional Democrats appear hell-bent on shutting down the government to prevent a short-term extension of spending levels originally set by a Democrat president.

Democrats’ gambit to force a shutdown would temporarily please a radical base that has caused increasing personal political peril for House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY).

Yet with no apparent path out of a shutdown in which Democrats secure meaningful wins, and with the shutdown presenting the Trump White House the authority to enact widespread cuts throughout the executive branch, the long-term benefits for the party are difficult to determine.

Any exit ramp for Democrats is likely to be bumpy. And whatever road it takes them down will lead to an even more empowered

See Full Page