As the government shutdown nears a month, frustration inside the Democratic Party is reaching a breaking point. Polls now show most voters blame Senate Democrats for the gridlock once pinned on Republicans, with union workers and federal employees demanding action as missed paychecks pile up. Behind closed doors, party leaders are quietly debating escape routes — from partial funding bills to emergency aid for programs like SNAP and WIC — but fear appearing weak before November’s elections.

Meanwhile, Republicans are hammering the message that Democrats “own” the shutdown, pointing to their refusal to advance House-passed bills. Public anger is rising as services grind to a halt, and even moderate Democrats warn the optics are turning disastrous. Economists say each week without a deal cuts into growth and public patience alike. Washington’s blame game continues, but the math is brutal: someone has to blink first.