Every so often, a politician says the quiet part out loud — and this week, it was Democratic Minority Whip Katherine Clark. During an interview with Fox News, Clark admitted that the suffering American families endure during the government shutdown is being used as leverage by Democrats. Her words: “It is one of the few leverage times we have.”
That’s right. The party that claims to “fight for working families” is openly admitting they’re willing to use those same families as bargaining chips. Meanwhile, paychecks for active-duty military, border agents, and federal workers hang in the balance — all so Democrats can try to score political points against a newly elected Republican majority.
Elections Have Consequences
Let’s be clear: elections have consequences. The American people went to the polls and voted for a Republican-controlled House and Senate because they wanted a course correction — less spending, more accountability, and some sanity in Washington.
But instead of respecting that outcome, Democratic leaders are throwing a political tantrum. They’ve blocked Republican funding bills not once, not twice, but repeatedly — even when those bills included pay for the troops and essential federal employees. Apparently, “democracy” only counts when Democrats win.
The “Leverage” Logic That Hurts Working Families
Think about that word — leverage. It’s a term you’d expect to hear in a boardroom, not from elected officials talking about Americans who can’t pay rent because their government paycheck hasn’t arrived. When Clark and her colleagues say “leverage,” they mean real people’s pain — service members, air traffic controllers, border agents, and law enforcement officers who show up to protect this country even when their checks don’t.
Democrats are using those same Americans as pawns, all while claiming the moral high ground. It’s political theater at its worst — and hardworking citizens are stuck paying the ticket price.
Fetterman Breaks Rank — And Brings Common Sense
Senator John Fetterman — lately known for breaking with his party — sees the problem. Fetterman said plainly that he’ll “always vote to pay the military over the party.” It’s rare to hear a Democrat choose country over politics, but at least someone on that side of the aisle remembers what duty looks like.
The Double Standard on Display
Let’s not forget: when Republicans even hinted at delaying a spending bill in the past, Democrats and their media allies screamed about “holding the government hostage.” But now, with Democrats using a shutdown as political leverage? Crickets. Apparently, it’s only a “crisis” when Republicans do it.
And while ordinary Americans are tightening belts and waiting for Washington to wake up, lawmakers are still getting paid. Maybe if Congress missed a few paychecks of their own, “leverage” would suddenly feel a lot less appealing.
What This Shutdown Really Reveals
The shutdown fight isn’t just about numbers on a budget spreadsheet — it’s about priorities. Republicans are trying to fund the government responsibly, pay our troops, and keep essential services running. Democrats, on the other hand, are focused on using the pain of the American people to “negotiate.”
It’s a clear message: when power is on the line, your paycheck is just another tool in the political toolbox.
Time to Stop the Games
If Democrats really cared about working Americans, they’d stop blocking clean funding bills and stop treating the military like bargaining chips. Republicans have given them chance after chance to do the right thing. Instead, Democrats are doubling down on the idea that pain equals power — and it’s shameful.
This shutdown isn’t about principle anymore. It’s about pride, politics, and preserving control. The American people deserve better than being used as “leverage.”
Editor’s Note: This article reflects the opinion of the author.
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