Democrats “Say the Quiet Part Out Loud” on Shutdown Strategy, Winston Warns

This week’s WG Economy highlights David Winston’s latest Roll Call column, where he examines the political and economic stakes of the ongoing federal government shutdown — and the increasingly candid remarks from Democratic leaders revealing their strategic approach.

In his column, Winston points to recent comments by Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Whip Katherine Clark that he argues expose a troubling mindset. Schumer’s remark that “every day gets better for us” during the shutdown, followed by Clark calling shutdown periods “one of the few leverage times we have,” suggest to Winston that Democrats view the situation less as a national hardship and more as a partisan opportunity.

Winston contends that the consequences of a prolonged shutdown are far from theoretical. From Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) beneficiaries — including elderly Americans, low-income families, and children — to military families, federal law enforcement, air traffic controllers, and thousands of small businesses waiting for critical SBA-backed loans, he notes that millions are already feeling the strain. He also highlights statements from the pilots union and the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), both urging lawmakers to end the shutdown, with AFGE President Everett Kelley delivering a pointed rebuke: “A strong America requires a functioning government.”

Despite mounting pressure and vulnerable constituencies historically aligned with Democrats, Winston writes that Democratic leadership appears dug in, repeatedly voting against clean continuing resolutions that could reopen the government while negotiations continue. He suggests this approach risks alienating key allies — including labor unions — and questions whether a strategy built on political leverage can withstand growing voter frustration.

As the shutdown nears another critical deadline, Winston notes the stakes: public patience is waning, pressure is building, and voters may ultimately hold leaders accountable for choosing leverage over relief.