Part 6/9:
Despite these claims, the political discourse reveals a complex pattern of blame and strategic positioning. Cassidy points out that Democrats have supported similar shutdowns during President Biden's administration, citing that they have carried out shutdowns 13 times, with Republican support in these instances. He argues that a short extension—seven weeks—would allow both sides to negotiate critical issues without causing undue harm.
The polls support Cassidy’s view that the American people are generally against government shutdowns, perceiving them as detrimental to national interests and public welfare. This pressure adds urgency to the negotiations, but ideological divides and political posturing continue to stymie progress.