Part 3/10:
Major figures like Gavin Newsom publicly acknowledged the failure of the shutdown, calling it an "unmitigated disaster," while Bernie Sanders labeled it a "political disaster." Left-wing media pundits, including CNN and MSNBC commentators, showed signs of distress, with one prominent analyst noting how Democrats went from feeling triumphant after recent elections to being deeply dejected.
A significant indicator of the Democrats’ downfall was Maine Senator Angus King, an independent who caucuses with Democrats. He openly admitted that the shutdown was bolstering Trump’s strength — a stark contrast to the initial aim of weakening the president.