Van Jones expresses worry about the Democratic approach to a government shutdown.

Concerns Over Government Shutdowns and Healthcare Premiums

CNN political commentator Van Jones recently expressed his worries about the Democrats amid ongoing government shutdowns this past weekend. “I think you can always trust our party to do the wrong thing for the right reasons,” he remarked.

On Friday, the Senate was unable to come to an agreement to reopen the government, as Senate minority leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and most Democrats stood firm against any compromise related to Obamacare.

Democrats Hold Firm Amid Shutdowns

Democrats argue that if Congress fails to negotiate a bipartisan continuing resolution (CR) that extends the Obamacare tax credit set to expire at the end of the year, many users will face rising healthcare premiums.

Critics on CNN acknowledged that they might be alienating some of their Democratic allies by stating they see this as a political disadvantage. “Now people are going to be mad at the post office and a hundred other things Republicans can blame us for,” Jones lamented.

Although he expressed discontent with the escalation of healthcare premiums in October, Jones has been vocal about the negative implications he sees in this approach.

Democrats at a Disadvantage with Program Cuts

Jones pointed out the frustration among party members: “I get it, the base is upset… ‘Do something, do anything.’ But maybe shutting down the government shouldn’t be the path, as it could lead to widespread job losses in the federal sector right before people start feeling the pain.” That’s his main concern.

He also touched upon the way the shutdown has been utilized politically: Jones spoke briefly of how he had discussed with Schumer three months ago the idea that “shutting down the government is dumb.” Yet now, it seems, they find themselves in that very situation.

Pressure on Schumer and Democrats to Change Stance

Jones mentioned the timing of the shutdown as “great,” but he was left questioning whether it would actually be effective for the Democrats.

With both parties still negotiating on Capitol Hill, Republicans have accused Democrats of holding Americans “hostage.” Senate Majority Leader John Tune asserted, “This is what we do for the best interest of Americans. Keeping the government open allows us to continue our work for them.”