Trump, Democrats Take Shutdown Standoff Down to the Wire

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Last Friday, I saw a 40% chance of a government shutdown. Even though there was no breakthrough after President Donald Trump met this afternoon with top congressional leaders — and with Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer reportedly shopping a plan for seven- to 10-day stopgap after a brief shutdown — part of me still believes that a deal can be made. As much as Democrats want to be seen fighting Trump, I also think they may want a bit more time to shore up their position on Obamacare subsidies, which are set to expire at the end of the year. I know I’m out of consensus, and I often joke with my clients that if I’m wrong, I’ll buy them a Bloomberg pantry coffee (hint: they’re free).