Hours into the U.S. government shutdown, the standoff is already shaping up as a political quagmire for all involved.

President Donald Trump has gleefully pinned the blame on “crazed” Democrats, in the hopes they will shoulder the political consequences. But the president could face blowback over his tumultuous leadership.

Meanwhile, Democrats are desperate to show their voters that they have the spine to take a stand against the Republican president and his policies, though they run the risk of struggling to stay united and force their message to break through in an environment dominated by Trump.

Politics are at the heart of this funding fight as both parties try to define their priorities ahead of next year’s midterm elections. The impact, however, could be felt even sooner. Trump’s

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