Shutdown Stalemate: Blame Game Intensifies as Impasse Drags On

Partisan Gridlock Persists

The government shutdown has continued with no end in sight, as both parties dig in and trade blame over the ongoing impasse. According to the latest poll, 39% of Americans hold President Trump and congressional Republicans responsible, while 33% blame Democrats in Congress. This marks a shift from a week ago, when the gap was wider, with 41% blaming Trump and the GOP compared to 30% blaming Democrats.

Messaging Battle Heats Up

Democrats appear to be gaining ground in the messaging war, with the share of respondents who say both sides are equally at fault slipping from 23% to 20%. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) has accused House Republicans of "refusing to work," arguing that Speaker Mike Johnson and others should be negotiating daily instead of "twiddling their thumbs."

Potential Compromise Elusive

Despite some signs of movement, a clear path to compromise remains elusive. Senate Republicans have argued that Democrats have the opportunity to filibuster any bill later in the process, making it critical that the appropriations process move forward. However, Democrats say they won't support bills that don't address their health care-related demands.

Shutdown Impacts Mounting

The impacts of the shutdown are also becoming more severe, with a judge yesterday halting the Trump administration's efforts to lay off roughly 800,000 federal workers. Meanwhile, members of the Pentagon press corps have turned in their access badges and exited the building rather than agree to new reporting rules that would restrict their ability to solicit information from military officials.

TL;DR

  • Partisan blame game intensifies as government shutdown drags on
  • Democrats gaining ground in messaging battle, but compromise remains elusive
  • Shutdown impacts mounting, including halted federal worker layoffs and press access restrictions