Opinion
Opinion

Why did the Democrats approve of a shutdown then give in?

By Debbie Lord for The Atlanta Journal Constitution
Jan 23, 2018

Did Democrats shoot themselves in the foot by taking an uncertain deal from Republicans? A roundup of editorials Tuesday takes a look at the issue.

Opinions from the left:

1. Why Democrats caved

From Slate: Democrats took a deal that was less than perfect because it was the only thing left for them.

2. The thin blue wave

From columnist Jeff Greenfield: The Democrats are on track to win in November, but 10 months is a long time in politics.

3. Democrats go for the jugular! (their own)

From columnist David Brooks: Did Democrats just grab defeat out of the jaws of victory?

ExploreThe right is celebrating a win reopening the government

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Debbie Lord for The Atlanta Journal Constitution
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In this photo from 1997, then-U.S. Sen. Max Cleland, D-Ga. (in wheelchair), and fellow senators (left to right) Bob Kerrey, D-Neb.; John McCain, R-Ariz.; Charles Hagel, R-Neb.; John Kerry, D-Mass.; and Chuck Robb, D-Va. walk along the Vietnam Veterans Memorial wall behind the wreath they would lay to commemorate the 15th anniversary of groundbreaking for the memorial. All six senators served in Vietnam, and Cleland lost both legs and an arm in that war. (Rick McKay/Washington Bureau)

Credit: Rick McKay

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In this photo from 1997, then-U.S. Sen. Max Cleland, D-Ga. (in wheelchair), and fellow senators (left to right) Bob Kerrey, D-Neb.; John McCain, R-Ariz.; Charles Hagel, R-Neb.; John Kerry, D-Mass.; and Chuck Robb, D-Va. walk along the Vietnam Veterans Memorial wall behind the wreath they would lay to commemorate the 15th anniversary of groundbreaking for the memorial. All six senators served in Vietnam, and Cleland lost both legs and an arm in that war. (Rick McKay/Washington Bureau)

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Passengers wait at a Delta check-in counter at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport on Friday, Nov. 7, 2025. It was the first day the Federal Aviation Administration cut flight capacity at airports during the government shutdown. (Arvin Temkar/AJC)

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