Democrats Are Expected to Yield Following ‘No Kings’ Protests

Sen. Markwayne Mullin Discusses Democrats and Government Shutdown

Senator Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.) recently shared his thoughts on a show, suggesting that Democrats might be inclined to resolve the government shutdown in light of ongoing anti-Trump protests across the nation. According to Marin, there seems to be no clear objective behind the shutdown from the Democrats’ perspective, apart from possibly rallying their base. Historically, they have supported clean continuing resolutions (CRs), especially when former President Biden was in office.

Mullin pointed out that the phrase “Keep a Clean CR in Mind,” which was penned by Chuck Schumer a year prior, is the same language being used today.

“I don’t understand the madness,” Marin remarked. He noted that Democrats have various pathways available to them, including a potential vote to reopen the government in response to these protests. He doubts that Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) would consider it wise to back a clean CR during this time.

He speculated, “Perhaps they will begin discussing reopening on Monday or Tuesday, with the government likely up and running by the first full week of November. By then, the optics should be more favorable for them.”

However, he added, “But as I’ve mentioned, the insanity is perplexing.”

In his view, Democrats find themselves lacking a solid argument for why they aren’t pushing to reopen the government. “They don’t really have a strategy beyond simply shutting down. Since Trump’s presidency, there’s been a persistent narrative around shutdowns. And Chuck Schumer, despite having his election not until 2028, voted for the same CR last September. He’s now facing the same CR being discussed this December and January,” Marin explained, suggesting that what changed was AOC’s threat to run against Schumer, showing a significant lead in polling. This shift, he believes, has altered Schumer’s approach.

“Now he seems to have a different mindset, which is interesting given his long tenure,” Mullin added, reiterating that Democrats had previously backed this CR multiple times.