Government Shutdown Discussion
On Tuesday, MSNBC host Jen Psaki questioned Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer regarding the recent actions of eight Democratic senators who sided with Republicans to support a deal to reopen the government.
During “The Briefing,” Psaki showed a video where Schumer expressed his concerns about the shutdown in early October. He asserted that Republicans were “determined to take health care away from 60 million people” and emphasized that this was a matter of life or death for many. Psaki noted the intensity of Schumer’s remarks, saying, “That guy was intense. There was creepy music playing. He swore. I mean, there was a lot in that video. What happened to that guy?” She also mentioned reasons why Democrats might feel positioned to continue fighting, referencing an NBC News poll that suggested more voters blamed Republicans for the shutdown than Democrats.
“And that was before Democrats had a strong showing across the nation last Tuesday, which indicated voter support for their efforts against the administration,” she added.
Eight senators—among them Sen. Angus King of Maine and others—voted on Monday for the latest continuing resolution aimed at reopening the government. Psaki expressed her disagreement with King’s rationale for collaborating with Republicans, as he claimed that the dual strategy of confronting President Trump while negotiating on Obamacare didn’t yield results and gave Trump “more power.”
“No, that’s not a lesson. Agree to disagree with that, Sen. King,” Psaki replied, emphasizing that the current situation extended beyond just a government shutdown. She noted the anger among many Democrats, indicating it reflects a larger issue with the party’s approach to negotiations.
Psaki suggested the need for a shift in tactics: “It’s about recognizing that we’re in a different moment right now. Maybe a different candidate, more aggressive tactics, more alpha, please. And perhaps a different leader.”
She noted that many Democrats in Washington understand the urgency of the moment and recognize changes are necessary for moving forward. “I wouldn’t have necessarily said that in January. I would say that now,” she stated, highlighting a growing group outside of Washington that understands what this moment requires.
Schumer’s office has not yet responded to requests for comment.
