Democrats wonder why they cannot win elections,and it is because of this:

[bob4460]

Senate Democrats say the six-month government funding resolution that passed the House Tuesday is a “horrible” bill, but there’s growing sentiment within the Senate Democratic conference that it would be too risky to block the legislation and risk a government shutdown that could drag on for weeks.

Senate Democrats battled behind closed doors Tuesday over how to handle the House bill, with a number of Democrats — especially those in swing states — arguing a government shutdown must be avoided, even if it means reluctantly voting for a House GOP-drafted bill.
https://thehill.com/homenews/senate/5189724-senate-democrats-government-funding-shutdown/?fbclid=IwY2xjawI-kWdleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHarjI3hcs-S8-D6OL6dFsATuug3fRo-mJCwnv114NSeaeh1KDKvYZH8ydA_aem_3yR7PXqY-ZZ0d4zlU870_A

[republianmushroom]

1. Nails it.

[OrlandoDem2]

2. This is so spineless by them.

[Bluetus]

12. Not spineless. Idiotic.

It is PRECISELY the swing states that are begging for some showing of principles.

[Tansy_Gold]

31. It's both. n/t

[JI7]

3. It's probably the senators that won in red or purple states

[Yavin4]

28. This whole concept of red, blue, purple, swing shows a complete lack of political acumen.

In fact, it's just pure laziness. A lack of a comprehensive, true political vision.

[durablend]

33. They'll vote for this piece of garbage

Thinking "Hey, we'll show 'those' people we can be reasonable!"

And then 'those' people will vote for the Republican next time anyway.

[Celerity]

40. We have no Democratic Senators left from any real Red state. The closest we have are the 4 from AZ and GA, and AZ and GA

are purple (both states voted Biden in 2020, were close in 2024, AZ has a Dem governor, and other statewide Dems, etc).

I do grant that GA is closer to Red than AZ, and IF we lose both Ossoff and Warnock, and gain no statewide offices there, plus it goes Rethug again in the 2028 POTUS election, I would then go back to calling it a pretty fully Red State.

[lapfog_1]

4. I called my senators

I never write or call. never

I am a big contributor to Democrats... I think close to $20K last election. I know I am on all kinds of contributor email lists. I vote in every election.

I called and said that they should not vote for this bill, that they cannot let it come to a vote. DOGE is doing a fine job of shutting down the government programs WE like anyway... so what difference does it make?

[intheflow]

13. Same.

I'm in Massachusetts so I rarely have to be on my senators, but I heard Markey was considering voting for it and I left a hellova message urging him to vote no.

[Tansy_Gold]

34. You nailed it with this line:

"DOGE is doing a fine job of shutting down the government programs WE like anyway... so what difference does it make?"

[b

[dutch777]

5. Wrong!!! This lets the enemy consolidate its power and move on to do more damage. Tie them up and at least stall!!!!

Yeah, it has potential political downsides in some states/districts. But guess what, letting the GOP looks like it is winning will bring them good tailwinds for 2026. Don't give them that!!

[Docreed2003]

6. Either Dems stand up to this debacle NOW

Or they may not get a chance in the future.

Compromising with individuals actively trying to undermine the foundations of our country does nothing but send them the message that they can do more harm. This bill is atrocious and deserves our strongest opposition.

[Bettie]

7. Yep. The other side will stick to their twisted notions forever

our side will back down the second someone says "Boo!" to them.

They control everything, they are at fault if there is a shutdown, but there is no courage among the Democratic leadership in the Senate. They are all old enough that they think that some day, some how Republicans will cooperate on something, because they are all somehow "friends".

Spoiler alert: They will NEVER cooperate. On anything. Ever.

They are not their friends....I've had to say that to my kids in the past. I never thought someone would need to say it to grown adults in the Senate.

[BlueTsunami2018]

8. Spineless or complicit?

Who even knows anymore?

Democrats never stand together for anything.

[dalton99a]

9. People who see nothing, hear nothing, and do nothing

[TheRickles]

10. Isn't a simple majority enough to pass this bill? Not sure why the Dem's have to offer any support at all.

A shutdown would be totally blamed on the Republicans.

[Cheezoholic]

51. Nope, takes 60 n/t

[JBTaurus83]

11. We are on our own

Democrats are not going to save us from fascism. It’s a hard pill to swallow, but, I believe it’s true.

[mzmolly]

14. Because of shitty headlines?

“We’re dealing with people — many of whom I suspect think a shutdown would be a good thing, and they could prolong it and use it to expand the president’s power even beyond what they’re already considering. So that’s something that has to be considered. This isn’t normal,” King warned.

[William769]

15. This is what I said about this subject.

https://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=view_post&forum=1002&pid=20129857

[bigtree]

16. the Hill gaslighted you with TWO Senators saying they'll vote

...and I guess we're supposed to be gaslighted too with a repetition of this republican-leaning rag's propaganda.

...pesky buried lede in the clickbait:

Senate Democrats said they would continue to discuss their options Wednesday.

“We haven’t made a final decision. We’re still talking about it,” Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) said of how Democrats will handle the pivotal vote.

[William769]

20. Their track record. nt

[bigtree]

22. this Congress we saw ONE vote for the CR out of 214 Dems in the House

...their track record.

[bob4460]

36. I hope that you're right and I am wrong

I hope that this bill goes down in flames!

[bigtree]

43. I don't know how they'll vote

...neither does The Hill.

I like the advice given to call them, call their offices, D.C. and in their state or district.

Tell them what you want, find out what they're intending to do.

The Hill's precluding that in this report, likely trying to discourage enough Dems from the fight, trying to give the impression it's already over.

Push forward and let's see what happens.

[Kaleva]

17. And yet everyone in this thread votes for and supports Democrats

Those who are upset with Democrats in Congress have already left or have been given the boot. Those of us who remain vote Blue no matter who or what

[JBTaurus83]

18. And what is the other option?

I’ve been frustrated with Dems my whole voting life, and I’ve donated and volunteered. My issue is that they can never just seem to grab onto simple things like an attack dog which would win. We always try to give a college course to people who don’t want to hear it.

[Kaleva]

44. We don't have any other option

Because we know that voting for and supporting Democrats is much more preferable to just let Republicans win without a fight

And by fight, I'm talking about us

[William769]

19. So we are suppose to shut up & be quiet?

Yes I vote blue but I'm not a fucking sheeple.

I'm not a republican that praises the party no matter what.

I cannot believe the stuff I have seen lately from long time posters.

[Kaleva]

47. It depends on how important one thinks this is

Those who think it's of vital importance have already left or gone beyond TOS and got booted.

Those who think it is of some importance are discussing it and staying within the rules .

Those who don't think it's of any importance are not joining in on the discussion.

At the end of the day, regardless of what Dems in Congress do or don't do, we here will continue support them to the utmost of our abilities.

We might be happy about their actions sometimes but it won't affect what we do .

[William769]

52. Calling out Dems is not against toss, critiqueing Dems is not against Toss, Bashing Dems is against toss.

Like I said I will support them but I a damn sure gonna let them know what I think and What i'm thinking come primary season (BTW that's still supporting a Democrat).

[LymphocyteLover]

21. Dems CAN WIN ELECTIONS. That is a horrible framing. But yes, they should block the bill.

See this https://talkingpointsmemo.com/edblog/here-are-the-arguments-for-why-senate-ds-should-vote-yes-and-why-theyre-wrong

[Jrsygrl96]

23. They really haven't learned much

You would think after having Mitch McConnell block everything for so many years, even when the Republicans were in the minority, Dems would have picked up something. Anything!
But, if you don't think like a complete weasel and try to do the "correct" thing, you're going to get stomped on!!!!

[DENVERPOPS]

24. Sort of reminds me of Star Trek????

THE *BORG*............"RESISTANCE IS FUTILE"........

[3825-87867]

25. "...too risky to block the legislation and risk a government shutdown that could drag on for weeks" ???

Why? There's no one working there now. What's going to be different?

[NoMoreRepugs]

26. Blocking the bill initially - letting the government shut down and HANGING it SQUARELY on ReThugs seems

to me to be a strategy. Course the ReThug propagand machine will pin all troubles on Dems 24/7 - that's what we face. Rock and hard place.

[pinkstarburst]

27. Well, I hope they won't be in my inbox asking for money

if this is the best they can do.

Democrats: DO SOMETHING.

[kerouac2]

29. Literally their job to prevent terrible bills from being passed

It's on the GOP if there is a shut down because they are incapable of doing good things

[twodogsbarking]

30. Is it just me or is the system, well, fucked-up?

[ancianita]

35. It's DOGE fucking up the system. Don't blame the system.

It's not just you, it's too many others here who blame a good governmental system when it's really the victim of a DOGE COUP. It's the first oligarchic coup in US history, so hell yes, it's the US government that's the victim and not the problem.

[twodogsbarking]

39. But the system isn't stopping him. Seems like something is missing.

[ancianita]

42. Systems exist to serve humans, not fight attacks. What's missing? a Dept of Justice. What we have is a Dept of INJustice

[twodogsbarking]

67. What we don't need is an emporer. But.....

[ancianita]

68. But what.

https://www.404media.co/you-cant-post-your-way-out-of-fascism/

[ancianita]

32. It's NOT that they're spineless, it's that they KNOW that DOGE destruction will continue with/out a budget.

CAPS for EMphasis, not shouting.

WE KNOW THIS: THAT DOGE IS FUNDED PRIVATELY TO PRIVATIZE EVERYTHING.

AND THE SENATE KNOWS THIS.

WE HAVE TO STOP FLOGGING OUR LEADERS AND SUPPORT THEIR EFFORTS. PERIOD.

[Intractable]

37. If the gov't shuts down, when it restarts, there might be nothing left but the stench of Elon's musk.

If the gov't is down, wouldn't it be easier for Elon and his back-door boys to wreak havoc?

[markodochartaigh]

38. From the "Everything I Needed to Know, I Learned in First Grade" file:

When you give a bully what he wants you become his servant until he tires of you, or no longer needs you.

[liberalmediaaddict]

41. We win plenty of elections

We're just 1-2 when it comes to defeating Trump.

When he's not on the ballot we've consistently done well.

People seem to have memory holed all our previous wins. Mainly because they're understandably concerned Trump and his MAGA minions are going to make sure we never have a free and fair election again.

November 2024 was the only election that really mattered. And the nation blew it. Not the 75 million Americans like myself who voted for Harris. But everyone else who either voted for Trump or stayed home. Or voted third party to send a message to both parties.

People can beat up on Democrats all they want if it's cathartic. We're easy scapegoats. But it doesn't change that
reality. The time to stop Trump and end his political career for good was last November.

[99MainSt]

45. The loyalty of most Congressional Democrats is split.

Most Democrats claim to back ordinary folks yet take corporate bribes the same as Republicans. So of course they're always walking on egg shells to appease both groups.

The handful of Democrats who take only small donations are the ones with the most backbone.

[99MainSt]

60. Money wins elections (mostly).

When Democrats betray their big donors, the money dries up immediately. But sufficient money, allows them to continue getting enough votes to keep winning elections. Big donors require their politicians to perform while voters are usually swayed by expensive campaigns. It's no wonder that many Democrats don't try very hard for their constituents.

[Beck23]

46. The main reason Democrats lose

Is that Republican states purge millions of voters from the voting roles in democratic areas. This can be proven. 4 million voters were purged in swing states prior to the last electipn. Wake up Democrats!

[W_HAMILTON]

48. It is because of this.

And by this, I mean the constant criticizing of Democrats -- just check the messages here, a board specifically devoted to SUPPORTING DEMOCRATS.

As long as those on the left continue to criticize Democrats for every single thing they do (or do not do) instead of throwing their full support behind them so they know they won't be left out on a limb if they decide to take stronger stances, we will continue to see this sort of thing happen.

Democrats can't even count on Democrats to support them -- they would have no chance when our rightwing media blames them for the resulting disaster that would occur if a government shutdown or a default on our debt occurred because they chose to stand their ground. And you can rest assured that some of those criticizing them for NOT letting this happen would then also be criticizing them for letting it happen if they voted NO and then all of us suffered the resulting fallout.

[BrianTheEVGuy]

49. Au contraire

The reason Democrats lose is because we fight stupidly and don’t think long term about strategy. A filibuster would create a catastrophic government shutdown that the GOP could blame on us. All negative outcomes of Trump policies would be attributed to us and the shutdown we made happen. “Social Security went bankrupt because the Democrats shut down the government.”

By voting no as a bloc, stating our objections, and not filibustering, we put the results entirely in the Republicans’ hands. When things blow up, they own the mess and we can campaign on it.

Effective strategy isn’t about satisfying the base who want grand theatrics. They’re about reaching out to uncommitted voters to hold the Republicans accountable. Social Security went bankrupt because of Republican incompetence. We had no role, we all voted no and they voted for the current outcome. A much better message. Vote for us and we will fix it.

[moonshinegnomie]

54. voting for this is more catastrophic

shut the whole damn thing down. and as ive said any dem that votes for the bill doesnt deserve to ever win another election. they should be primaried and let real dems that will work for the people instead of wimping out.

[BrianTheEVGuy]

63. Reread what I said

I support voting no. I do NOT support a filibuster. Different tactic.

If Republicans need Democratic votes to pass a Republican budget with a Republican majority, that’s a sign of Republican incompetence.

If Democrats block a budget that a Republican majority voted for with a filibuster, it’s a different kettle of fish.

[lapfog_1]

64. da tavorich

this all sounds better in the original Russian

"a sign of republican incompetence"... as if they needed one.

Shut it all down until they actually negotiate and reign in Trump / DOGE. Yes there will be pain, yes some may blame us. So what? DOGE is a repuke operation, supporting Russia instead of Ukraine is a repuke cult position. support of all these tariffs, same. We will not lose any support by trying to stand up with the only weapon we have to oppose this ( Canada, Mexico, Panama, Ukraine, Greenland, USAID, DOEducation, NOAA, HHS and CDC, inflation, recession, tax cuts for billionaires ). We oppose all of this bullshit ( and I've only listed a small portion ), shutting down the government pushes the big PAUSE button on all of this, and gives us a chance to make congress stand up to the bully and re-assert their authority. The town halls are nice and all, but we see how they will dismiss all of that. They can't so easily pass legislation without our compliance ( 60 votes needed in the Senate ).

[BrianTheEVGuy]

69. Oh yeah you got me

I’m a Soviet. Yediny moguchy Sovietskii Soyuz!

[et tu]

50. wwbd

what would bernie do?

[Beartracks]

53. I don't vote for Democrats to *work with* Republicans. I vote for Democrats to STOP Republicans.

FFS, Dems: let Republicans hoist themselves by their own collective petard. They claim to have a mandate -- make them prove it. If their shit won't fly without your help, then that's THEIR problem. Your job as the OPPOSITION PARTY is to OPPOSE the Republicans' plans. Right now, at this moment, your job would be to let Republicans have their government shutdown (like they always try to do) and then you get out there and beat the drums every day, on all media, so that the public knows this is what REPUBLICANS wanted.

Republicans will try to pin the shutdown on Democrats -- because they always do -- but this shit wouldn't be happening if Republicans didn't keep making it happen. Stop negotiating with terrorists! It only comes back to bite you in the butt as "spineless libs."

=================

[crimycarny]

55. As long as they hold up protest paddles when they cave

Maybe they can hold up their little protest paddles with sternly worded messages about how horrible the bill is while they cave and vote yes.

I'm so sick of the lack of fight from our side. Why bother voting Democratic if they aren't going to fight for us?

No, I'm not saying don't vote, and I'm not saying don't vote for Dems, but it is exhausting to be a Democrat right now. I vote every election, and I vote Dem, but if I'm exhausted, I can't imagine how low propensity voters must be feeling. And I can't blame them, why vote for a party who only gives lip service?

[samplegirl]

56. Sad sad sad

We will never win elections like this!
Never!

[Eddie Haskell 60]

57. What are Dems risking?

Losing like they're likely to do anyway?!? There is NO risk for them to shutdown. This is weak Democratic leadership.

[crimycarny]

58. The Democratic leadership is sending a message to the world too--and it's not the right message

The world can't stand the US right now. They are all wondering why the US is allowing Trump to do these outrageous things and no one is stopping him. By the Democratic party caving to Trump when they have a chance to push back (such as the spending bill), they are essentially telling the world "we agree with Trump".

Conversely, the world is with Zelensky because he is fighting against Goliath even when all the cards are against him. The Democratic party needs to take a lesson from Zelensky.

I honestly can't deal with this right now. Seeing the lack of fight from the Democratic Party when our entire democracy is at risk is too devastating. I'm beyond despair and outrage.

[AleksS]

59. Is it more a question of short-sighted empathy vs. big picture vision?

I can understand the idea of avoiding hurting people by making sure the government doesn't shut down. I really can. A shutdown will cause suffering. It will cause immediate, and direct suffering of people. And for some, a policy of "first of all do no harm" might lead them to believe that avoiding a shutdown is paramount.

However, are they missing the big picture, that by supporting the CR, they're enabling a greater harm down the road?

To continue the medical metaphor, is this a situation where you have to make a small incision, in order to remove a large/life-threatening tumor?

It is a darned-if-you-do, darned-if-you-don't situation, (cause suffering now, or cause more suffering later) but it seems to me they really have to do some serious reflecting on which choice is really best for the country. It's a hard decision, and shouldn't be taken lightly--the idea of throwing some folks under the bus, no matter why, is understandably anathema to many. But that's the job they signed up for when they ran and were elected: to make those hard decisions.

[Exp]

61. NO SHUTDOWN! I agree with Angus King::

From the Hill::

Sen. Angus King (Maine), an independent who caucuses with Democrats, warned that tech billionaire Elon Musk, who is leading President Trump’s effort to downsize government, could use a government shutdown to pressure more federal workers to retire.

“We’re dealing with people — many of whom I suspect think a shutdown would be a good thing, and they could prolong it and use it to expand the president’s power even beyond what they’re already considering. So that’s something that has to be considered. This isn’t normal,” King warned.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Leon and crew will have more room to their damage during a shutdown.

Yes, we're screwed. But a shutdown would be waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay worse for the Dem party.

[flamingdem]

70. "Could" !!

Could a lot of things! Could get everything Trump wants! Could!

Centrists say could to block all action apparently.

[Bayard]

62. Dems are too nice

Rethugs/trump very publicly lost what was left of their minds in the 2020 election when Joe Biden won. When trump was installed this time was there a single lawsuit filed by Dems? Any public questioning of the vote? Nothing on the subject from our politicians. I know, I know--we don't want to be sore losers like rethuglicans. We are above those tactics.

I fully supported Kamala, and will always believe she won the presidency. Dems should vote against this bill, and then loudly explain to people it is trying to screw them over. They're more likely to believe it now with what's going on. Make MuskRat the poster child for thievery.

We should not go quietly into the night.

[bob4460]

65. I am very thankful that I was wrong

Looks like I got caught up in clickbait. Sorry y'all

[elocs]

66. As my sig reads:

"I am not a member of any organized political party. I am a Democrat." Will Rogers