Democrats finally opened up to a shutdown. Historically, they have avoided that eventuality at all costs. Times have apparently changed, driven by the fact that a substantial portion of their base is on board with this stance.

Some might even argue that Democrats have advanced along the evolutionary chain; they’re now vertebrates. Having foregone a “clean CR” (Continuing Resolution) in favor of getting politically dirty, Democrats have drawn a clear line in the sand.

Or have they?

As of this writing, Senate Republicans need just five more Democrats to join them in passing the bill that the House approved. They’re no doubt working overtime to convince their more moderate, and perhaps politically vulnerable, colleagues to change their votes to “yea.”

“But behind the headlines are real pe

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