Democrats Hold Upper Hand in Shutdown Negotiations

Rachel Bade: “For weeks, Democrats have implored Republicans to fund the rest of the department while carving out ICE enforcement — thus allowing negotiations to continue without wreaking havoc on other agencies. Now that once-reluctant Republicans are on board, suddenly it’s not enough to win Democratic votes.”

“Republicans are understandably furious. ​But Democrats’ shifting position underscores how the party has maintained the upper hand in the shutdown, at least politically speaking.”

“Sure, Democratic leaders who once scorned shutdowns have done a completely 180 — thanks to the pressure from the base. Nonetheless, the party isn’t catching much heat and currently feels zero pressure to cut a deal.”