The Agreement on the US Budget Is a Defeat for the Democrats
i>The opposition Democratic Party caved in during the U.S. shutdown without reaching any binding improvements to health care
The Democratic Party caved in. For more than 40 days, there has been no agreement on a budget,* many people are on unpaid forced leave, millions are not receiving urgently needed food aid, and the number of available flights has been greatly reduced because of a lack of air traffic controllers, which has already led to chaotic conditions — and that's with Thanksgiving right around the corner.
The Republican Party under Donald Trump is to blame for this, and according to the polls, it looks like the majority of the American population thinks so, too. Even the U.S. president has recently admitted that the U.S. shutdown was "worse for us than for them." But at the same time, in recent weeks, Trump has shown no willingness to negotiate. Instead, while millions of Americans went hungry, he tore down the East Wing of the White House to make room for an oversized ballroom, and he celebrated with an all-you-can-eat buffet at a “Great Gatsby” party.
On the Rise
Less than one week ago, the Democratic Party celebrated a series of election victories. Mayoral, gubernatorial, and judicial elections, referendums, votes on tougher laws: the Democrats succeeded everywhere. Finally, it seemed that Americans realized the president was only focused on his own interests and not theirs. At last the opposition party was gaining momentum — after months of being seemingly paralyzed.
Especially now, it would have been important to remain firm and not be fobbed off. But on the core issue of the expiring federal subsidies for the Affordable Care Act, known as Obamacare, eight renegade senators achieved nothing except an announcement that the Senate would vote on the budget plan. However, both the Senate and House of Representatives must approve the proposed budget, and Republicans hold the majority in both houses. The plan also requires the signature of Donald "Obamacare is dead" Trump. In other words: it is hopeless.*
Election Campaign Issue
Of course you could argue that the issue of health care coverage will be on the minds of voters next year when insurance premiums skyrocket and the midterm elections take place. But it's uncertain whether people will actually hold Republicans responsible, or blame the Democrats, who caved in on the budget dispute without reaching any concessions on the issue. What is clear is that this will come at the expense of countless people who can no longer afford their health insurance.
And who knows what else could happen between now and the election in one year’s time. In any case, the Democratic base is rightly angry because high-ranking party members who, for weeks, preached about not conceding on the issue of health insurance — caved in. The Democrats need to find a way out of this internal party crisis.
*Editor’s note: The government shutdown ended on Nov. 12 before this commentary was originally published, but the editors believe its perspective is still relevant.
The Democratic Party caved in. For more than 40 days, there has been no agreement on a budget,* many people are on unpaid forced leave, millions are not receiving urgently needed food aid, and the number of available flights has been greatly reduced because of a lack of air traffic controllers, which has already led to chaotic conditions — and that's with Thanksgiving right around the corner.
The Republican Party under Donald Trump is to blame for this, and according to the polls, it looks like the majority of the American population thinks so, too. Even the U.S. president has recently admitted that the U.S. shutdown was "worse for us than for them." But at the same time, in recent weeks, Trump has shown no willingness to negotiate. Instead, while millions of Americans went hungry, he tore down the East Wing of the White House to make room for an oversized ballroom, and he celebrated with an all-you-can-eat buffet at a “Great Gatsby” party.
On the Rise
Less than one week ago, the Democratic Party celebrated a series of election victories. Mayoral, gubernatorial, and judicial elections, referendums, votes on tougher laws: the Democrats succeeded everywhere. Finally, it seemed that Americans realized the president was only focused on his own interests and not theirs. At last the opposition party was gaining momentum — after months of being seemingly paralyzed.
Especially now, it would have been important to remain firm and not be fobbed off. But on the core issue of the expiring federal subsidies for the Affordable Care Act, known as Obamacare, eight renegade senators achieved nothing except an announcement that the Senate would vote on the budget plan. However, both the Senate and House of Representatives must approve the proposed budget, and Republicans hold the majority in both houses. The plan also requires the signature of Donald "Obamacare is dead" Trump. In other words: it is hopeless.*
Election Campaign Issue
Of course you could argue that the issue of health care coverage will be on the minds of voters next year when insurance premiums skyrocket and the midterm elections take place. But it's uncertain whether people will actually hold Republicans responsible, or blame the Democrats, who caved in on the budget dispute without reaching any concessions on the issue. What is clear is that this will come at the expense of countless people who can no longer afford their health insurance.
And who knows what else could happen between now and the election in one year’s time. In any case, the Democratic base is rightly angry because high-ranking party members who, for weeks, preached about not conceding on the issue of health insurance — caved in. The Democrats need to find a way out of this internal party crisis.
*Editor’s note: The government shutdown ended on Nov. 12 before this commentary was originally published, but the editors believe its perspective is still relevant.
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