Part 4/9:
Sources suggest that some Democrats might be leveraging the shutdown as a political tactic, specifically linked to upcoming protests and electoral strategies. A senator indicated that groups threatening minority leader Chuck Schumer with political irrelevance are pressuring him to keep the government closed, framing the shutdown as more theatrical than substantive.
Republicans and commentators argue that the shutdown exposes internal divisions within the Democratic Party, especially concerning poll numbers. For instance, Schumer's choice to support a "clean CR" (Continuing Resolution) earlier in the year contrasted with now, as political pressures and protests increase. The debate revolves around whether the shutdown serves as a bargaining chip or a political gamble to shift power dynamics.