BETHLEHEM, Pa. — The government shutdown — the longest in U.S. history at 43 days — is over.
But there are lots of questions on what it all means, where we go next and what to make of the situation.
Political scientist Chris Borick joins Tom Shortell for this episode of Political Pulse to help break down the breakthrough.
Shortell said many critics of the deal argue that Democrats folded a “winning hand” by not holding out longer for concessions on Affordable Care Act subsidies.
Borick said in some ways he was surprised, because it was so important to them.
“The polling is on their side,” Borick said. “The American public, when asked these questions about the Affordable Care Act and the subsidies are generally, ‘Yeah, we think we should keep those going. Keep them rolling.’”
Shortell said what made the concessions from Democrats more stunning was the timing, coming just days after they rode a blue wave to historic wins in the election.
“You’ve got the wind at your back. The fight’s there. The Democratic electorate a few weeks ago showed the fight that they have,” Borick said. “You could clearly come out of that cycle and say that Dems are rolling right now.”
So why did eight members of the Senate Democratic Caucus break from the party? And what does it mean closer to home for Congressman Ryan Mackenzie? All five Democrats running in the PA-7 fight supported the shutdown and have criticized the decision to reopen the government.
To learn more, click play in the YouTube module above to watch this week’s episode.
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