The Dems’ secret strategy to the shutdown deal

In Pasadena, California, the recent decision by eight Democratic senators to conclude the government shutdown was publicly justified by concerns over public hardship and the improbability of Republicans agreeing to reinstate Affordable Care Act subsidies. However, beneath the surface lay a strategic maneuver that could potentially corner the Republicans. Although publicly hesitant, many Democratic senators, including Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, likely perceived the long-term advantages this move could secure, both in the healthcare arena and the 2026 midterms.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune committed to holding a vote on restoring the subsidies, which immediately places him and his Republican colleagues in a precarious situation. Thune faces the choice of either reneging on his promise, thus avoiding a vote, or forcing his fellow Republicans to choose between aligning with President Trump and the House, risking voter backlash, or voting to restore the subsidies and facing Trump’s ire. No matter the outcome, Republican senators find themselves in a challenging position.

For Democrats, the situation is advantageous regardless of the outcome. Should Thune fail to follow through on his promise, it underscores a narrative that Trump and the Republicans are indifferent to the healthcare needs of millions of Americans and the broader issue of affordability. If the vote proceeds and Republicans reject the restoration of subsidies, the message remains unchanged. Conversely, should Republicans concede and restore the subsidies, it marks a significant victory for Democrats and validates their shutdown tactics. This strategic play might also bolster Democratic prospects for flipping the Senate in the 2026 elections, a scenario that seemed unlikely not long ago. Hoyt Hilsman

Honest effort

In Locust Valley, Long Island, a recent cover story by The News titled “Like it never happened” (Nov. 11) critiques former President Trump’s pardoning of Rudy Giuliani, former White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows, and other allies who questioned the 2020 election results. This act is characterized by some as an attempt to overlook the events leading to the January 6th insurrection. However, others, like Jeff Converse, argue that Trump’s actions represent a legitimate response against what they see as excessively punitive measures by the Biden administration’s Department of Justice, aimed at stigmatizing those who challenged election integrity.

Henchwoman

From Portsmouth, New Hampshire, comes a pointed critique directed at Attorney General Pam Bondi. Elizabeth Smith calls for Bondi’s resignation, questioning her conscience, integrity, and concern for her legacy. Smith suggests Bondi may have compromised her self-worth by following directives she deems unfavorable, likening her self-esteem to being “lower than whale poopoo.”

Tyrannical tear-down

Meanwhile, in San Mateo, California, Mike Caggiano humorously critiques the ongoing renovations at the White House, likening them to a metaphorical demolition of foundational American principles. He jests about President Trump’s potential to dismantle core constitutional rights only to replace them with policies favorable to corporate interests, all under the guise of national benefit. Caggiano’s commentary underscores concerns about the preservation of democratic freedoms amidst political upheaval.

Stay ready

Manhattan: Voicer John Di Milia opines that we need a “Department of Peace” instead of war. He doesn’t seem to realize that peace is exactly the purpose of the Department of War. As was written in ancient Rome more than 1,500 years ago, and is even more true today, “Igitur qui desiditat pacem praeparet bellum”: “Therefore, he who desires peace, let him prepare war.” In other words, peace through strength. Paul Weiss

For the public good

Manhattan: Thunderous applause for Mayor Adams for dealing a likely fatal blow to Zohran Mamdami’s plans to destroy the Elizabeth Street Garden by declaring the sumptuous space “parkland.” Perhaps this on-again/off-again land grab by the city’s powers that be — based on the false notion that destroying the revered retreat is essential to build affordable housing — will finally end. On his way out the door, Adams has done the right thing. Maybe he should have remained in the race for mayor. Susan M. Silver

Worth preserving

Manhattan: I want the Elizabeth Street Garden to continue. Why? It’s a beloved small respite in our noisy, overcrowded, concrete high-rise city — a city where developers rule. If developers look, they will find many other lucrative locations in a New York minute. Frankie Turchiano

Lagging leadership

Glen Oaks: NYC is ahead of the game. We already have an All-Electric Buildings Act. Starting in January, all new buildings seven stories and under, with exceptions for restaurants, hospitals and others, will be powered by electricity, with electric appliances. This is a boon for affordable housing and affordability. Electric buildings are cheaper to build and to live in, their energy efficiency makes them easy on the grid and they don’t emit pollution. Statewide, however, Gov. Hochul is not learning by example. She’s stalling the law she signed at the behest of gas companies, spinning it as affordability for New Yorkers. Along with green-lighting the gas pipeline we don’t need and leaving the “100-foot rule” repeal on her desk without a signature, this marks Hochul as a governor who’s eager to go backwards on clean, cheap renewable energy. She’s a governor New York can do without. Kanwaldeep K. Sekhon

Absent bargaining

Middle Village: The op-ed by UFT President Michael Mulgrew and Councilwoman Carmen De La Rosa is absolutely right regarding salaries for paraprofessionals being way too low (“We must help NYC’s paraprofessionals,” Nov. 13). However, the solution they propose stinks. A $10,000 annual “RESPECT Check” doesn’t meet the cost of living. Worse, when people retire, the $10,000 isn’t counted toward their pension, which will still be low. City job salaries are supposed to be negotiated between their union and the Office of Labor Relations. Sadly, Mulgrew is unwilling to do that and is looking for the easy way out. He has a history of not wanting to bargain with the city. In 2014, when he needed money to pay for teachers’ raises, he stole $2.1 billion out of the Health Stabilization Fund instead of arbitration, then made a backroom deal to repay it by switching retirees to a cheaper health insurance plan. Lee Rottenberg

That’s on him

Yonkers: Unions and the Office of Labor Relations, not the City Council, negotiate union contracts. While Mulgrew is now lamenting the lack of pay for paraprofessionals, he negotiated the contract. When the paraprofessional chapter and the retirees chapter were taken over in elections by his opponents, he began to see his iron fist weakening. First, he decided against Medicare Advantage after sponsoring it, and now wants the City Council to improve paraprofessionals’ pay when he neglected them in the last contract. It’s not the job of the City Council to negotiate contracts. It falls within the purview of the OLR. Thomas Schechter

Hear us out

Yorktown Heights, N.Y.: Both Council Speaker Adrienne Adams and Councilwoman De La Rosa have not allowed our bill, Intro 1096, to have a hearing in two years. This has put elderly and disabled municipal worker retirees in medical debt, causing affordability crises and stripping them of dignity. Many retirees have been working tirelessly to have the bill put up for a hearing. Why do these women who have a lot of power refuse to do this? I hope the Daily News can investigate and expose this story. I ask that you take a look. Karen Scheer

Slow and steady

Bronx: A follow-up to Voicer Shlomo Klein’s exercise advice: When on a treadmill, Stairmaster or any elliptical device, never hold onto the rails or handles. Slow down or reduce your incline. Balance is so important. Your heart rate and workout will improve dramatically. I’m 67 and my heart rate is under 40, and I’m no marathoner or gym rat. You enter and leave this world holding on. Don’t use crutches in the interim. John Cirolia