All the lowlights from a barely functioning Washington.
As we roll into day two of the Great Government Shutdown of 2018,Democrats and Republicans seem far from a deal, with the two sides still in full blame-game mode. (It’s the “Trump shutdown” vs. the “Schumer shutdown.”) The most important barrier to an agreement remains DACA. Democrats want to include protection for Dreamers in any vote to re-open the government; Republican leadership, including President Trump, are trying to pressure Democrats to fold now and deal with immigration later.
Saturday highlights included a Senate debate over Chuck Schumer posters and a Trump ad accusing Democrats of being complicit in murder. So, you know, progress. What surprises does Day Two have in store? Find out below.
Marc Short: White House Not Involved With Deranged Ad White House Director of Legislative Affairs Marc Short told Chuck Todd on Meet the Press that the White House had nothing to do with a commercial released Saturday accusing Democrats of being complicit in murders committed by illegal immigrants.
But…
Only this White House would try to spin the president’s re-election campaign as an “outside group.”
Trump Wants Abolishment of Filibuster, McConnell Says No The president has long professed his desire to get rid of the filibuster, one of the rare points of agreement between him and many liberal commentators. (Though much of his agenda has only needed 50 votes to get through because of budget reconciliation rules, the spending bill needs 60.) He again tweeted his displeasure with the rule on Sunday morning:
But in a statement, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said, “The Republican Conference opposes changing the rules on legislation.”
Eric Trump Is Loving the Shutdown Appearing on Hillary Clinton stalker Jeanine Pirro’s show Saturday night, Trump’s younger son said he thought the shutdown was politically beneficial for Republicans: “Honestly, I think it’s a good thing for us.” That’s the spirit!
An Incredibly Sad Detail From the Oval Office
