(CNN) — The federal government shutdown is now the second-longest in history. We’re on Day 21, and if it lingers into early November, Congress could surpass the current record of 35 days – from, as it happens, the first Trump administration.

Who knows if we’ll get there. There is a premium in these debates on appearing resolute. That means neither side telegraphs that it might fold – right up until the moment one does.

But there are also a number of dynamics pushing us toward an especially prolonged shutdown right now.

And at the top of that list is the blame game, where we’re in uncharted territory.

But plainly: History suggests it’s Democrats who would eventually back down. But they seem to have relatively little reason to do so right now.

Generally speaking, it’s the side that ma

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