Washington is in a standoff and the chips are down — with the government shuttered for weeks, federal workers stuck in limbo and millions who rely on health insurance subsidies scared of losing the shirt off their backs.

Behind the scenes, it’s not just about budgets — it’s about who’s winning the blame game.

Democrats argue they have the clearer story and the more relatable message. Republicans have President Donald Trump’s megaphone, but critics say their argument is tangled in technicalities.

Polling shows the public assigning blame to both parties. The most recent surveys show a plurality blaming Republicans, although Trump remains largely unscathed.

But with each missed paycheck and rising premium, the stakes get higher — and someone is going to fold.

– The stakes –

This shutdow

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