Trump Wins In The Game of Chicken With U.S. Senate Democrats
For as much as Democrats, some conservatives, and independent voters disavow Trump, because of the poor leadership of Senator Schumer, Trump has won the game of chicken.
Listening to this evening's handwringing from one Independent and a handful of Democratic U.S. Senators explaining their rationale for ending the federal shutdown, one thing is clear. President Donald J. Trump won in this 50-plus-day game of chicken.
As a lifelong Democratic presidential voter, I say with all sincerity that the Senate Democrats, led by Minority Leader Senator Chuck Schumer, are Charlie Brown to Lucy's shenanigans. Poor old Charlie keeps trying to kick the ball, believing this time Lucy won't pull it away, but alas, she does the same thing over and over.
Polling and the results of last week's limited elections showed Democrats were controlling the narrative on the shutdown and important economic issues. After all, the Republicans have control of the federal government, so the shutdown is happening on their watch. It is not a hard principle to communicate to voters.
As for the promise of the Senate ACA vote, it is not going to pass. The Senate Democrats may have a floor vote, but it will be meaningless. The House Republicans may not even bring it to a vote if, by some chance, it passes the Senate.
If you believe, like some of these Senators, that there will be any extension of the ACA credits, you are as delusional as they are. The ACA recipients who will see their premiums skyrocket, while billionaires rake in more and more cash, are sacrificial lambs.
Every schoolyard kid knows that once you engage in a game of chicken, whoever flinches first loses, and the other party knows that forever. For as much as Democrats, some conservatives, and independent voters disavow Trump, because of the poor leadership of Senator Schumer, Trump has won the game of chicken.
Democrats need a significant change, and they can start by removing Schumer from his leadership role. Mr. Schumer is feckless and too easily caves to pressure.
If there are no drastic changes in the Democratic direction and the ability to play a game of chicken effectively, the Blue Wave they are hoping for next November will dissipate, as young voters, disgusted with the establishment, will stay home.
Democrats, enjoy the last few days of post-election glow. You have just sealed your own doom.
