House Speaker Mike Johnson's continued refusal to swear in Democratic Rep.-elect Adelita Grijalva of Arizona has taken the bizarre to new heights. By delaying her swearing-in, Johnson is essentially telling the people of Arizona's 7th Congressional District that their newly elected representative doesn't exist yet. The reality is, however, that Grijalva does exist β and she can't do any work for them because Johnson won't give her the official nod.
This is just one of many reasons why Republicans are struggling in this latest government shutdown. By refusing to back down, they're not only alienating a significant portion of their own party but also undermining the very principles of democracy. The country's air traffic controllers, federal workers, and members of the U.S. military are all getting by without pay thanks to Republican indecision.
The numbers don't lie: 72% of Americans support extending Affordable Care Act insurance subsidies β a clear indication that they're on the side of the Democrats in this showdown. Meanwhile, only 30% believe the country is moving in the right direction, with a whopping 69% thinking it's headed in the wrong direction.
It appears to be a long time coming, but Republicans are finally facing the consequences of their own hubris. As a former Republican lawmaker who managed to balance the budget despite getting blamed for doing the right thing, I can attest that this is not how you win elections or build trust with the American people.
				
			This is just one of many reasons why Republicans are struggling in this latest government shutdown. By refusing to back down, they're not only alienating a significant portion of their own party but also undermining the very principles of democracy. The country's air traffic controllers, federal workers, and members of the U.S. military are all getting by without pay thanks to Republican indecision.
The numbers don't lie: 72% of Americans support extending Affordable Care Act insurance subsidies β a clear indication that they're on the side of the Democrats in this showdown. Meanwhile, only 30% believe the country is moving in the right direction, with a whopping 69% thinking it's headed in the wrong direction.
It appears to be a long time coming, but Republicans are finally facing the consequences of their own hubris. As a former Republican lawmaker who managed to balance the budget despite getting blamed for doing the right thing, I can attest that this is not how you win elections or build trust with the American people.

 ! It's like they're playing some kind of twisted game where the country's fate hangs in the balance... meanwhile, ordinary folks are just trying to survive without paychecks
! It's like they're playing some kind of twisted game where the country's fate hangs in the balance... meanwhile, ordinary folks are just trying to survive without paychecks 
 72% of Americans supporting ACA subsidies is a major wake-up call for Republicans - it's time to get on board with the rest of us
 72% of Americans supporting ACA subsidies is a major wake-up call for Republicans - it's time to get on board with the rest of us 


 and messing up big time
 and messing up big time  ... they're just creating a massive mess
... they're just creating a massive mess  !
! , but Republicans won't listen
, but Republicans won't listen  . That's like drawing an arrow from 'good' to 'nope'
. That's like drawing an arrow from 'good' to 'nope'  οΈ! It's no wonder the country is feeling lost
οΈ! It's no wonder the country is feeling lost  β they need a clear map to follow.
 β they need a clear map to follow. , I'd create a Venn diagram with two overlapping circles: one for Republicans and one for 'what's best for America'
, I'd create a Venn diagram with two overlapping circles: one for Republicans and one for 'what's best for America'  . That's the sad truth.
. That's the sad truth.
 . I mean, what's the plan here? Are we just gonna keep putting people out of jobs until Republicans figure things out? It doesn't seem like a winning strategy to me.
. I mean, what's the plan here? Are we just gonna keep putting people out of jobs until Republicans figure things out? It doesn't seem like a winning strategy to me. . The Democrats might be getting some support from the polls, but at the end of the day, they need to work together with their own party members to get stuff done. This shutdown is a mess on both sides, if you ask me.
. The Democrats might be getting some support from the polls, but at the end of the day, they need to work together with their own party members to get stuff done. This shutdown is a mess on both sides, if you ask me. . I mean, it's one thing to be passionate about your cause, but when you start alienating half of your own party and a good chunk of the country, something's gotta change.
. I mean, it's one thing to be passionate about your cause, but when you start alienating half of your own party and a good chunk of the country, something's gotta change. it's like they're trying to erase their own party from existence. And that 72% of Americans supporting ACA subsidies is just numbers, but it shows the majority is on the side of the Democrats. Republicans are playing with fire if they think this whole shutdown thing will make them popular again
 it's like they're trying to erase their own party from existence. And that 72% of Americans supporting ACA subsidies is just numbers, but it shows the majority is on the side of the Democrats. Republicans are playing with fire if they think this whole shutdown thing will make them popular again 
 72% of Americans want those ACA subsidies, but who's listenin'? It's like they're stuck in denial or somethin'. I'm all for accountability, but Republicans need to stop bein' so stubborn and just work with the other side.
 72% of Americans want those ACA subsidies, but who's listenin'? It's like they're stuck in denial or somethin'. I'm all for accountability, but Republicans need to stop bein' so stubborn and just work with the other side.  This is exactly why nobody trusts 'em no more!
 This is exactly why nobody trusts 'em no more! . i mean, 72% of americans are all about the ACA subsidies, that's like the whole country against republicans on this one
. i mean, 72% of americans are all about the ACA subsidies, that's like the whole country against republicans on this one  "The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy."
 "The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy."  ... its like arizona rep doesnt exist till mike johnson says she does
... its like arizona rep doesnt exist till mike johnson says she does  and honestly 72% of americans support democrats on that ACA thing... seems like republicans are really losing the people
 and honestly 72% of americans support democrats on that ACA thing... seems like republicans are really losing the people  gotta feel for those air traffic controllers and military personnel who have to deal with this
 gotta feel for those air traffic controllers and military personnel who have to deal with this 
 ! They're literally trying to take away healthcare from millions of ppl just cuz they don't wanna do what's best 4 the country
! They're literally trying to take away healthcare from millions of ppl just cuz they don't wanna do what's best 4 the country  . And another thing, what kinda rep would delay swearing in a legit elected rep like that?
. And another thing, what kinda rep would delay swearing in a legit elected rep like that?  . What really matters is getting the budget balanced and keeping taxes low, not coddling people who don't even vote
. What really matters is getting the budget balanced and keeping taxes low, not coddling people who don't even vote  The shutdown is just a symptom of a larger problem β their inability to work together and put the country's needs above party politics.
 The shutdown is just a symptom of a larger problem β their inability to work together and put the country's needs above party politics.
 , and 69% think the country's going in the WRONG DIRECTION
, and 69% think the country's going in the WRONG DIRECTION 
 I'm actually a student in college right now, so I can relate to how hard it is when your school doesn't have the resources they need. It feels like politicians forget that we're the ones paying for all this through our taxes!
 I'm actually a student in college right now, so I can relate to how hard it is when your school doesn't have the resources they need. It feels like politicians forget that we're the ones paying for all this through our taxes! 