Politics as Usual?
You may have noticed a recent shift in the Republican narrative
over the government shutdown. At the
time of the stalemate, we were told that the issue was Obamacare, and that Republicans
would demand cooperation and negotiation on funding its implementation. Now, all of a sudden, the discussion is about
the debt. Republicans have seemingly
lost interest in Obamacare but are requesting debt reform if they are willing
to raise the debt ceiling. A resolution
is now in sight.
Why the sudden change?
The analysis I’ve heard is that Republicans see polls blaming them for
the shutdown and don’t expect Democrats to feel adequate pressure to negotiate
on Obamacare. It is the Republicans who
will surrender. To save face, though,
they are changing the narrative to an issue over which they can expect a little
give, and then both sides can claim to have gotten something out of the ordeal.
If that’s true, it is a betrayal. We’ve heard the stories of real suffering
caused by the shutdown, and for that reason I would like to see a solution as
soon as possible. But for Republicans to
abandon the central issue and play misdirection with the debt is a joke.
This week I received a call from the RNC asking for
money. It’s been so long since I
donated, I wonder why they keep calling, but perseverance is a virtue. I explained why I wouldn’t be giving any
money, but I was assured that the party is serious now, and will not be cowed
on life, marriage and religious freedom issues.
I will be watching closely, making phone calls, and trying to hold
Republicans accountable.
