Blame is shifting to Republicans on shutdown, polling shows

Government Shutdown Impact - Shutdowns are unpopular and reflect negatively on both parties, but blame is determined by the issue at stake [1] - Only 28% of Americans are very concerned about being personally impacted by the shutdown, but 60% are very concerned about 4 million people potentially losing health insurance [1] - Voters disapprove of Republicans' handling of the shutdown more than Democrats' [2] Healthcare as a Defining Issue - Democrats have a 15-point advantage over Republicans on healthcare [6] - Healthcare is a defining issue of the Trump administration and Congress [6] - Voters elected Donald Trump because he promised to address prices, but 75% of voters feel he isn't doing enough to lower costs [5] Democratic Strategy and Opportunity - Democrats are defining themselves by opposing healthcare cuts [2] - Democrats are gaining ground as the party that is looking out for lower costs and healthcare [5] - The Democratic brand suffered in the 2024 election because people didn't know what they stood for, but this shutdown could be an opportunity to overcome that [3]