Part 2/10:
What stands out most is that Schumer's shutdown failed spectacularly—not only did it achieve little in terms of policy goals, but it also backfired politically, making Trump appear stronger and more popular than ever. The Democrats emerged as the true losers of this episode, having wasted valuable political capital on a stunt that ultimately strengthened Trump's position.
Democrats’ Defeat and the Rise of Trump
Initially, Democrats believed that a hardline stance would weaken Trump, shaping him as an obstructionist and rallying their base. However, the outcome was the opposite. The shutdown, which lasted for 42 days, turned into a political disaster for Democrats, especially for the party’s establishment.