When the dust settles on the shutdown deal, Democrats will likely still have the edge

"What's more, if Republicans do vote against health care subsidy extensions in December when a promised vote is to take place as part of this shutdown deal then the GOP will fully own the increased health care costs that come with it. Democrats could also look like the adults who took the high road, recognizing the very real pain that a lot of people were beginning to feel when President Trump and his administration were beginning to turn the screws on the most vulnerable."

"Make no mistake: bridging the divide is going to be a significant challenge. But despite the intense blowback, the result in the end might not be all that bad for Democrats in next year's midterm elections. Consider that affordability was the dominant issue in the off-year elections, where Democrats won sweeping victories. If it's the most important issue next year and it very likely will be then Democrats will likely retain the advantage."

Democrats faced intense internal criticism after several senators voted to reopen the government, with prominent lawmakers calling the move a 'terrible mistake' and a 'policy and political disaster.' Bridging the partisan divide will be a significant challenge. Affordability emerged as the dominant issue in recent off-year elections, and continuing focus on affordability could preserve Democratic advantages in next year's midterms. If Republicans oppose extensions of health-care subsidies in December, the GOP would assume responsibility for rising health-care costs. Democrats who supported reopening might appear to have taken the high road by alleviating immediate pain among vulnerable populations. The central strategic risk is retaining progressive enthusiasm after perceived concessions.

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