Part 3/7:
The seriousness of this strategy was underscored when Katherine Clark, one of the most senior Democrats in Congress, made a rare and candid statement. She confirmed that the decision to shut down the government was driven by a desire to "get leverage over Donald Trump." Clark acknowledged that shutdowns are destructive, noting their adverse impact on families and the public. However, she also emphasized that Democrats regard shutdowns as one of the few tools available to exert pressure in negotiations.