Stephanie Ruhle: Could Democrats Turn Government Reopening Deal Into a Political Win?
As the government prepares to reopen after a historic 40-day shutdown, MSNBC’s Stephanie Ruhle discussed the implications of a recent deal struck between a group of Democratic senators and Republican leadership. This agreement, supported by eight Democratic senators, is seen as a potential turning point for the party, but it has also sparked significant internal conflict.
Overview of the Deal
The Senate voted on a funding deal that will keep the government funded at existing levels through January 30th. The agreement also includes the reversal of layoffs of federal workers caused by the shutdown and approves three full-year appropriation bills for certain agencies. However, the deal notably lacks provisions for extending Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies, which was a central issue that led to the government shutdown.
The Democratic senators involved defended their decision, arguing that the Senate GOP promised a vote on ACA tax credits by mid-December. They contended that waiting longer would only prolong suffering for families across the country, particularly for those reliant on SNAP benefits.
Political Ramifications
Despite the potential benefits of reopening the government, the deal has caused a rift within the Democratic Party. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer voted against the package and is now facing calls for his resignation. Meanwhile, House Speaker Mike Johnson has indicated that a vote on the bill could occur as soon as Wednesday, pending the President’s approval.
Ruhle brought on a panel of experts, including Luke Broadwater, Mychael Schnell, and Susan Glasser, to discuss the political implications of this deal. Schnell reported that the House GOP leadership is eager to move forward, with procedural votes expected to start soon.
Is Compromise the Best Strategy?
From a political standpoint, Glasser argued that reopening the government and restoring federal services could ultimately benefit Democrats. She noted that if healthcare costs increase without the promised ACA protections, the blame would likely fall on Republicans. This sentiment is echoed by polling data suggesting that voters, including many Republicans, may hold Trump and the GOP accountable for the shutdown.
Glasser emphasized that Democrats believe they can leverage the healthcare issue in the upcoming 2026 midterm elections. The narrative that Democrats are fighting for healthcare while Republicans are obstructing could resonate with voters, especially as they begin to feel the financial impact of rising healthcare premiums.
The White House Perspective
Broadwater provided insight into how the White House views this situation. He noted that the administration feels it has won on the substance of the negotiations, as Democrats ultimately accepted an offer they had previously rejected. However, the political landscape remains complex, with Trump’s tactics during the shutdown potentially backfiring.
The panel discussed the possibility that the reopening of the government could shift focus back to other pressing issues, such as the Epstein case, which has been overshadowed by the shutdown. As Congress reconvenes, attention may return to this high-profile matter, which could complicate the political calculus for both parties.
Conclusion
As the government edges closer to reopening, the ramifications of this deal will be closely watched. While it could provide immediate relief and restore essential services, the internal divisions among Democrats raise questions about the party’s unity moving forward. With the midterms approaching, how Democrats navigate this situation will be critical in shaping their political future. The outcome of the healthcare discussions and the ability to hold Republicans accountable for the shutdown will likely play a significant role in the upcoming electoral landscape.
