Josh Huder
@joshhuder.bsky.social
Political scientist posting mostly about Congress. Senior Fellow at The Government Affairs Institute at Georgetown University, McCourt School of Public Policy.
Yes, but that's a horrible vote for Republicans. There's a reason Republicans were/are avoiding it. They won't enjoy going on the record on ACA subsidies as premiums go through the roof.
November 10, 2025 at 9:56 PM
Yes, but that's a horrible vote for Republicans. There's a reason Republicans were/are avoiding it. They won't enjoy going on the record on ACA subsidies as premiums go through the roof.
You're right, none of this is coincidental. There are likely many more Democrats who want the government open, possibly as many as 20. When almost half the caucus wants a way out of the shutdown, particularly those with elections, holding the line is like holding back the tide from coming in.
November 10, 2025 at 2:49 PM
You're right, none of this is coincidental. There are likely many more Democrats who want the government open, possibly as many as 20. When almost half the caucus wants a way out of the shutdown, particularly those with elections, holding the line is like holding back the tide from coming in.
From a policy perspective, Dems actually got more than usual from a shutdown! 3 approps bills, reversing RIFs is not nothing, and a vote is not nothing! But normally, shutdowns are a losing tactic from a policy perspective.
November 10, 2025 at 1:54 PM
From a policy perspective, Dems actually got more than usual from a shutdown! 3 approps bills, reversing RIFs is not nothing, and a vote is not nothing! But normally, shutdowns are a losing tactic from a policy perspective.
Reposted by Josh Huder
Look, I love polling, considerably more than most people. But if you start crafting an agenda from what polls well, rather than starting with what a better world looks like, one that connects to the general public's needs, and how you get from here to there, then you have no business in politics
November 4, 2025 at 2:56 PM
Look, I love polling, considerably more than most people. But if you start crafting an agenda from what polls well, rather than starting with what a better world looks like, one that connects to the general public's needs, and how you get from here to there, then you have no business in politics
As a result, there’s less political incentive to counteract abuses of power. Ambition will not counteract ambition if they share the same ambition.
October 25, 2025 at 11:58 PM
As a result, there’s less political incentive to counteract abuses of power. Ambition will not counteract ambition if they share the same ambition.
(It's not that they're always off-point, but the tone has noticeably deteriorated.)
October 9, 2025 at 3:54 PM
(It's not that they're always off-point, but the tone has noticeably deteriorated.)
The GOP could do either - though I think nuking the filibuster isn't in the cards.
It's obvious because Republicans have the votes to open the government but Democrats are blocking the vote. But I agree, what the public understands about this situation is another question entirely.
It's obvious because Republicans have the votes to open the government but Democrats are blocking the vote. But I agree, what the public understands about this situation is another question entirely.
October 7, 2025 at 3:57 PM
The GOP could do either - though I think nuking the filibuster isn't in the cards.
It's obvious because Republicans have the votes to open the government but Democrats are blocking the vote. But I agree, what the public understands about this situation is another question entirely.
It's obvious because Republicans have the votes to open the government but Democrats are blocking the vote. But I agree, what the public understands about this situation is another question entirely.