Thread by @econjared

Suppose party D believes that a functional, amply-funded gov't is essential to meet the challenges we face--inequality, climate, rent-seeking, infrastructure, retirement security, hth care. Party D's success depends on the electorate sharing its views. On the other hand--[thread]

Suppose party R wants to shrink and discredit gov’t, so as to deregulate industry, return tax revenues to R’s donor base, and discourage the electorate from supporting pro-gov’t Ds.

Clearly, shutdown serves R’s goal and thwarts D’s. It amps R’s message: “gov’t is broken!" (Ignore that we’re the ones doing the breaking…)
Eventually, shutdown will end, but its damage to gov't is lasting and asymmetric. [end]