And just like that, the longest government shutdown in history is poised to end. Republicans refused to extend health care subsidies for 20 million Americans, and, after 41 days and deep cuts to the federal food assistance program, enough Democrats crossed the aisle to end the standoff.

This was not an entirely unexpected outcome given the GOP’s commitment to starving the federal government and tanking the Affordable Care Act. Democrats took a big risk and learned how difficult it is to win a game of chicken against opponents who don’t mind crashing the car.

But in losing this battle, Democrats have won a larger and politically important fight.

The salient issue

That is the messaging fight over the cost of living, particularly health care, which will be central to the midterm elections

See Full Page