In a bid to sway public opinion amidst a looming federal government shutdown, House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries hosted a livestream event titled "Stop the Republican Shutdown.
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However, the effort appeared to fall flat, attracting a mere 156 viewers just an hour and a half before the shutdown commenced, as noted by journalist Ken Klippenstein. The viewership dwindled further to 93 shortly after the shutdown took effect, highlighting a lack of engagement with the Democratic narrative.
According to The Washington Free Beacon, this lackluster turnout was corroborated by The Daily Caller, which reported that Jeffriess livestream "garnered fewer than 100 views after running continuously for several hours through early Wednesday morning." The shutdown, which began at 12:01 a.m. on Wednesday, was the result of Senate Democrats blocking a Republican-led initiative to extend federal funding until November 21.
Democrats opposed the bill due to the absence of provisions for extending health care subsidies and reversing recent Medicaid cuts. Republicans, on the other hand, maintained that such health care issues should be addressed independently of government funding legislation.
House Speaker Mike Johnson took to social media to express his disapproval of the Democrats' actions, stating, "Democrats have officially voted to CLOSE the government." He further elaborated on the consequences, noting, "Results: Moms and kids now lose WIC nutrition. Veterans lose health care and suicide prevention programs. FEMA has shortfalls during hurricane season.
Soldiers and TSA agents go UNPAID." Johnson questioned Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer's motives, asking, "The only question now: How long will Chuck Schumer let this pain go onfor his own selfish reasons?"
Despite the Democrats' attempts to shift the blame onto Republicans, Jeffries and Schumer released a joint statement accusing President Donald Trump and the GOP of shutting down the government to avoid protecting Americans' healthcare. "After months of making life harder and more expensive, Donald Trump and Republicans have now shut down the federal government because they do not want to protect the healthcare of the American people," they asserted.
In a notable deviation from party lines, Senator John Fetterman was one of three Democrats who sided with Republicans in an effort to keep the government operational. He expressed his dismay in a social media post, stating, "its a sad day for our nation" and emphasizing that his vote prioritized "our country over my party."
The shutdown has sparked debate over the Democrats' stance on government closures, with CNN host Abby Phillip questioning Jeffries about a White House video featuring Democrats' previous statements on the dangers of shutdowns. When asked if Democrats were being hypocritical, Jeffries responded, "Not at all," dismissing the notion of inconsistency.
As the shutdown unfolds, the political blame game continues, with both parties entrenched in their positions. The impact on essential services and federal employees remains a pressing concern, as the nation watches to see how long this impasse will persist.
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