The Five Discusses Senate Democrats Breaking Ranks on Government Shutdown Deal

Bipartisan Deal to End Government Shutdown

• 🤝 Eight Senate Democrats broke ranks to support a bipartisan spending plan, leading to a breakthrough in the government shutdown.
• 🏛️ The deal promises a future vote on Obamacare subsidies in exchange for reopening the government.
• 🗣️ President Trump stated he would abide by the deal, which he described as "very good."

Progressive Outrage and Schumer's Position

• 😡 Progressives are calling for Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer to be replaced, viewing him as a scapegoat for a deal that lacks guaranteed Obamacare subsidies.
• 📉 Lawmakers like Seth Molton and Rohan expressed outrage, with some calling the deal "horrific" and a "cave."
• 🏈 The agreement is described as a "gentleman's agreement" that feels like "Lucy and the football," with Democrats getting nothing in return.

Analysis of Democratic Strategy and Leadership

• 🎯 Kellyanne Conway argued that Democrats caved and capitulated, calling it "strategic bankruptcy" due to a lack of leadership and vision.
• ❓ The deal failed to satisfy moderates or progressives, highlighting the Democratic Party's identity crisis and Schumer's central role in it.
• 🏥 Democrats are criticized for prioritizing Obamacare subsidies for "illegal immigrants" over other issues, ultimately gaining nothing from the shutdown.

Impact on the American People and Future Elections

• ✈️ The shutdown caused significant pain to the American people, including furloughed employees and military personnel facing financial hardship.
• 🗳️ Jessica Tarlov believes the issue of healthcare and ACA subsidies will remain a key point for Democrats to campaign on in future elections, potentially spelling electoral disaster for Republicans.
• 📉 Joey suggests that while the ACA subsidy issue affects fewer than 28 million people, it could be leveraged by Democrats if Republicans fail to offer solutions.

Republican Unity and Democratic Disunity

• 🏆 Trump, Thune, and Johnson are seen as winners for demonstrating unity and sticking together during the shutdown negotiations.
• 🎭 Greg Gutfeld criticizes Democrats for living on a "surface level" of politics, lacking depth and persuasion, and being unable to adapt to changing political landscapes.
• 💡 The Democrats' strategy is questioned, as they seem unable to discuss crime, immigration, or the economy, resorting to healthcare as their primary talking point.