Progressives Maneuver to Maintain Democratic Unity on Shutdown

Liberal groups are throwing their money and followers into fortifying Democratic resolve in the lengthening shutdown fight, bolstering vulnerable incumbents who stand firm and preparing to pounce on any wayward senators who show signs of wavering on health care priorities.

Senate Democrats have so far remained remarkably aligned on their demands to extend health care subsidies for over 20 million Americans and reverse Medicaid cuts. But progressive leaders and many of their supporters are painfully aware of the party’s collapse in its last shutdown fight with President Donald Trump in March, when 10 Democratic senators backed down.

Despite early polling ...