Podcast Summary: "Were There Any Winners In The Government Shutdown?"
Podcast: What A Day
Host: Jane Coaston (Crooked Media)
Date: November 17, 2025
Guests: Tim Miller (The Bulwark), news clips from elected officials
Main Theme
The episode explores the aftermath of the recent (longest-ever) government shutdown: who, if anyone, really "won" the political fight, what led to the shutdown ending, and what lies ahead for Democrats and Republicans. It features a substantive discussion with Tim Miller of The Bulwark on whether Democrats actually came out ahead—even while facing internal divisions—as well as analysis of related political chaos, infighting, and news on immigration and party fractures.
Key Segments & Insights
Opening and Context ([00:02]–[02:07])
- Jane Coaston opens with humor and a brief aside about a dog shooting its owner, before shifting to the serious news: the government shutdown is over, Democratic infighting continues, and pressure mounts on Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer.
- Jonathan Karl presses Senator Chris Murphy on Schumer’s future, which Murphy leaves open-ended, stressing the need for Democrats to present a united front.
- Quote: "We can't continue to operate like this in the Democratic Senate... Democrats are going to lose this democracy if we continue to allow Republicans to cleave off 10 or 12 or 15 of us." — Sen. Chris Murphy ([01:27])
Was Ending the Shutdown a Democratic ‘Win’? ([02:07]–[05:19])
Guest: Tim Miller (The Bulwark)
Host: Jane Coaston
- Jane introduces Tim Miller, noting his “medium warm” take that Democrats ultimately won the shutdown, contrary to angry voices on the left.
- Key Discussion:
- Democratic Hand: Miller likens Democrats to poker players with bad cards but says they played their limited hand well by ending the shutdown, which stopped public suffering (e.g., SNAP recipients, fired workers) and left Trump politically weaker amid other scandals.
- Quote: "Now we're looking at it here, I guess a week or so after they folded. Donald Trump’s in his worst political position... People's lives got tangibly better." — Tim Miller ([04:07])
Democratic Infighting — and the Path Forward ([05:19]–[07:33])
- Jane notes ongoing Democratic squabbles post-shutdown, often focused on blaming Schumer or each other, which Miller critiques as unhelpful.
- Miller emphasizes that emotional venting—like heckling retiring senator Jeanne Shaheen—is counterproductive and distracts from targeting GOP and Trump.
- Quote: "If you're of the camp that you're like, I want Democrats to fight harder... then you should heckle the Republicans in New Hampshire. Like heckling a retiring senator might make you feel good... I just do that on X, you know." — Tim Miller ([05:50])
- Strategic Focus: Miller urges Democrats to hammer Trump on rising costs, healthcare, and his ties to the Epstein scandal, leveraging newfound momentum rather than fixating inward.
Where Next on Epstein — and Congressional Strategy ([07:33]–[08:47])
- Jane references the House Oversight Committee’s recent release of more Jeffrey Epstein correspondence, implicating Trump.
- Miller explains that as Republicans feel pressure, cracks are emerging—and Democrats should press moderate senators and push for more transparency.
- Quote: "I think that the Democrats should be putting pressure on the Senate to [release Epstein emails]... if they take back the gavel next year... they can start subpoenaing people themselves." — Tim Miller ([07:47])
- Miller also highlights the importance of upcoming House races and redistricting in reclaiming majority leverage.
The GOP ‘Vibe Shift’ and Democratic Strategy ([08:47]–[11:50])
- Jane observes that the media’s “vibe shift” previously made Trump seem unbeatable, but infighting and scandals now undermine the MAGA coalition.
- Miller argues Democrats should enjoy their modest shutdown win and move on, capitalizing on the decline in Trump’s poll numbers and growing GOP defections (from people like Marjorie Taylor Greene).
- Quote: "Just a modicum of happiness is allowed in this world, I guess. Look, this goes back to my original point about how I think, spun correctly... the Democrats gained some modest ground politically with the shutdown fight, and they should pocket those winnings..." — Tim Miller ([09:22])
- Outlook: Miller calls for sustained pressure on Trump, especially on issues where he’s weak, instead of intraparty 2028 “pre-fights.”
Broader Political Developments ([14:14]–[19:12])
Healthcare Negotiations & Partisan Maneuvers
- Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-LA) and Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) discuss deeply uncertain prospects for extending healthcare tax credits. Republicans pivot to direct aid language for individuals, Democrats warn of massive rate increases if subsidies lapse.
- Quote: "It should be a bill to extend those premium tax credits because... if we don't address it, then people are going to see huge rate increases." — Sen. Jeanne Shaheen ([15:50])
- Next government funding and healthcare deadline looms in December.
Trump’s New Immigration Crackdown Target: Charlotte, NC
- Federal agents target Charlotte in high-profile immigration arrests, linked to a much-publicized murder that Trump’s team argues shows “Democrat cities can’t protect residents” (despite the suspect being a citizen).
- Continued pattern: administration pressing “law and order” themes in Democratic cities.
Trump–Marjorie Taylor Greene Fallout
- Trump now attacks Congresswoman Greene, formerly his ally, labeling her “Marjorie Traitor Greene” on Truth Social after she criticizes him. Greene responds emotionally on CNN and, remarkably, apologizes for her own toxic rhetoric.
- Quote: "Dana, I think that’s fair criticism and I would like to say humbly, I’m sorry for taking part in the toxic politics. It’s very bad for our country." — Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene ([18:59])
- Greene’s softer positioning fuels rumors of presidential ambitions, but she denies it through her partner.
Ukraine’s New Energy Deal and Security Moves
- Ukrainian President Zelenskyy secures a winter gas import deal from Greece, with further trips to France and Spain to bolster air defense, in response to ongoing Russian attacks.
- Kyiv seeks to restart major prisoner exchanges with Moscow.
Notable Quotes & Moments
- On Democratic unity:
“We can’t continue to be split like this or we won’t save our democracy.”
— Sen. Chris Murphy ([01:27]) - On the shutdown outcome:
“Democrats are in stronger political position... For me, that was a win, wasn’t amazing... But it was a very small win and I think additional fighting was not gonna yield any better of a results than they got.”
— Tim Miller ([04:07]) - On party discipline:
“Heckling a retiring senator might make you feel good and might meet some of your emotional needs... I just do that on X.”
— Tim Miller ([05:50]) - On Trump’s status:
“If people start to think, oh, man, this guy’s at like 36% in the polls, he’s having defections from his own side... There’s a lot of things out there in the world that start to change.”
— Tim Miller ([09:22]) - On Marjorie Taylor Greene apologizing:
“Dana, I think that’s fair criticism and I would like to say humbly, I’m sorry for taking part in the toxic politics. It’s very bad for our country.”
— Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene ([18:59])
Key Takeaways
- Democratic “win” in shutdown was modest but real: Restored government services, protected vulnerable Americans, and left Trump politically weakened.
- Infighting hampers Democrats: Focusing blame on leaders or each other is counterproductive; unity and forward focus (targeting GOP weaknesses—healthcare, cost of living, scandals) is essential.
- Epstein investigation & House races are big opportunities: Democrats should press for transparency and prepare to leverage possible gains in House control.
- GOP teams divided & new “vibe” is emerging: Trump faces internal dissent, with former allies defecting or turning critical.
- Broader context: Shutdown fight is only the opening skirmish; healthcare, immigration, and ongoing Trump scandals will likely dominate the months ahead.
[End of core episode summary. Advertisements, intros, and outros omitted.]