As Congress remains deadlocked over government funding, Democrats in both the House and Senate appear unified on paper but continue to struggle with presenting a clear message or agenda.

The dispute has left lawmakers at an impasse, with Democrats pressing for spending measures that Republicans say are out of touch with the broader electorate.

Among the Democratic priorities are expanded healthcare access for illegal aliens, repeal of certain rural healthcare funding, and renewed federal support for National Public Radio.

Trump's Sovereign Wealth Fund: What Could It Mean For Your Money?

These measures have been central sticking points in negotiations, though polling suggests they have limited appeal outside the party’s activist base.

The looming shutdown has raised questions not only about which party will bear the political cost but also about the consequences for federal employees and programs.

Democrats have already acknowledged that their position risks affecting their own staff and operations, as layoffs are likely during the funding lapse.

Media coverage of the standoff has intensified, with CNN devoting airtime to framing the shutdown as a setback for President Donald Trump.

This Could Be the Most Important Video Gun Owners Watch All Year

Analysts and commentators have pointed to polling data to argue that Trump could face political damage.

However, critics note that such polls often fail to account for the president’s voter base, particularly segments of the electorate that are difficult to capture in traditional surveys.

On Tuesday, CNN invited pollster Frank Luntz to weigh in on the matter.

Luntz, who is not aligned with the Trump administration, challenged the network’s interpretation of polling trends.

He noted that Democratic approval ratings remain low and suggested that the public is more likely to hold Democrats accountable for the shutdown than Republicans.

“Democrats’ approvals are worse, and they will be blamed more for the shutdown by their supporters,” Luntz said during the segment.

His comments cast doubt on the narrative that the funding fight poses greater risks to Trump than to his opponents.

Republicans have argued that their approach—passing short-term stopgap bills to keep the government funded while continuing negotiations—demonstrates a willingness to avoid disruption. Democrats, in contrast, have insisted on large-scale spending items that Republicans say are unrelated to immediate funding needs.

The dispute mirrors earlier funding battles in which Democrats faced criticism for focusing on ideological or niche policy demands rather than broadly supported initiatives.

With public attention on the potential consequences of a shutdown, party leaders face pressure to reconcile internal priorities with the broader expectations of voters.

Luntz emphasized that Republicans are in a stronger position during the standoff, pointing to their leverage in negotiations and the likelihood that Democrats will shoulder more blame as the shutdown continues.

Even CNN can’t help but to admit that a Schumer Shutdown will only HELP TRUMP!

Democrats will be RIGHTFULLY blamed if the government does shutter. I can’t wait for how much further their polling drops after THOUSANDS of bureaucrats get CANNED!

SHUT IT DOWN! pic.twitter.com/abZI0eQgbD

— Gunther Eagleman™ (@GuntherEagleman) September 30, 2025

As the deadline passes and the shutdown takes effect, both parties face difficult political terrain.

However, analysts note that Democrats may struggle more to maintain public support if the funding lapse persists, particularly given polling data showing that even their own voters are wary of prolonged shutdowns tied to partisan demands.

NEW: CNN Contrib Lulu Garcia-Navarro says she’s “hearing from Democrats” that they “DON’T CARE” about *PROTECTING AMERICANS* from Gov’t Shutdown

“Democrats don’t care about that anymore. What I’m hearing from Democrats is: ‘This isn’t our problem.'” @DailyCaller pic.twitter.com/UeZLD19BN6

— Jason Cohen (@JasonJournoDC) September 30, 2025

The opinions expressed by contributors and/or content partners are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of DrewBerquist.com. Contact us for guidelines on submitting your own commentary.