New York Times: “By nearly all accounts, Mr. Obama emerged the winner of the showdown, having stared down attempts to undercut his health care program or force other concessions, but it is not clear what he actually won. Did he change the dynamic of his tumultuous presidency and break the cycle of Washington gridlock, opening the way to more meaningful legislation in months to come? Or did he merely kick the can down the road three months so he and Congress will be in the same place again, repeating a pattern that will define his remaining three years in office?”
“The president and his team hope that Congressional Republicans, stung by this week’s defeat, re-evaluate their scorched-earth strategy and seek agreement with Mr. Obama on issues like immigration and long-term spending to demonstrate that they can govern. But they fear the opposition may instead double down and become even more determined to prevent the White House from getting the upper hand in future legislative battles.”
Politico: The shutdown winner’s club
