The Five Discusses Government Shutdown, FAA Cuts, and Thanksgiving Travel

Government Shutdown and FAA Flight Cuts

• ✈️ FAA flight cuts are escalating, starting at 4% and projected to reach 20% in the coming weeks, impacting American travelers.
• 🏛️ President Trump is criticizing Democrats for not reaching a deal on the shutdown, stating they voted to "hurt the country" while Republicans voted to "open up the country."
• 🗓️ Democrats, emboldened by recent election results, are reportedly pushing to prolong the shutdown, viewing it as politically advantageous.

Obamacare Subsidies and Senate Filibuster

• 🏥 Chuck Schumer proposed a one-year extension of Obamacare subsidies as a potential solution to end the shutdown.
• 🗣️ Senator Chris Murphy expressed concern that immediately stopping the fight after the election could damage the Democratic brand ahead of the next election cycle.
• 🚫 The discussion touches on the concept of a "silent filibuster" and the idea of forcing Senators to speak on the Senate floor to create transparency and pressure.

Political Strategy and Leverage

• 🤝 Democrats are perceived as using the shutdown as leverage, with some Senators worried about the party's brand if they appear to be unwilling to compromise.
• ⚖️ The Republican strategy is to "hold the line," arguing that caving on Obamacare subsidies would set a bad precedent and lead to further demands.
• ⏳ There's a debate on whether to eliminate the filibuster, with some arguing it stifles compromise and others believing it's necessary for decorum and bipartisan solutions.

Impact on Federal Workers and Travel

• 💸 Concerns are raised about federal workers, including air traffic controllers earning around $45,000 a year, not getting paid.
• 🦃 The timing of the shutdown is particularly worrying as it approaches Thanksgiving, potentially disrupting holiday travel and family gatherings.
• ✈️ Some suggest that wealthy members of Congress or billionaires could step in to cover air traffic controller salaries during the shutdown.

Gutfeld's Perspective on the Shutdown

• 😂 Greg Gutfeld humorously suggests the shutdown is a "great excuse to skip Thanksgiving," noting that many people, including himself, would prefer not to fly.
• 📉 He argues that the FAA has always been a mess and that the current disruptions are a minor issue for most, especially those who can afford private or business class travel.
• 🐂 Gutfeld characterizes Trump's approach as playing "chicken" and going "harder" when challenged, comparing him to a bull in the running of the bulls.