Commentary: Regarding the shutdown, Democrats, it's time to let Republicans wear it

Elliott Gorn, Chicago Tribune on Nov 3, 2025

Published in Op Eds

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Baseball has always been a great cauldron of American vernacular speech. One relatively new expression has caught my attention: “Wear it.” Like when a 99 mph fastball hits a batter’s shoulder or thigh or foot. “Yah, I’ll wear it.” As in, this is part of the game. Sure it hurts, but it is the price I pay for being here.

It is time for the Republicans to wear their childishly named One Big Beautiful Bill Act. And speaking of bills, they are coming due. Americans are just finding out how much the signature legislation of President Donald Trump and his Congress will cost them. It is no longer abstract. Millions of Americans will be priced out of health care.

The Democrats did the right thing. They tried to protect the American people from Republican ideologues. But there is no one to negotiate with. The MAGA Congress isn’t interested. It is not even in session until — well, indefinitely.

Time for Sen. Chuck Schumer and Rep. Hakeem Jeffries to say we did our best, we tried to protect the American people from MAGA. The Republicans hold the presidency, the House, the Senate and frankly the U.S. Supreme Court. They monopolize power. They refuse to negotiate in good faith with us.

We really tried, but they hold all the cards. We will not accept a few minor concessions, then pretend we just saved health care. So reluctantly, because we can’t negotiate with ourselves, it is time for them to reopen their government. Not your government, not our government. Their government.

We’d keep fighting If we thought they might come to their senses. But they won’t even talk to us, and Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson refuses to bring the House back into session. They passed Trump’s bill; now many of you will lose health care or watch your premiums skyrocket. Sick children will not be able to see a doctor; pregnant women are on their own.

So, wear it, Republicans. Notices are already in the mail, premiums are going way up, Obamacare and Medicaid are in the crosshairs, and many citizens won’t be able to afford medical insurance. You did this, Republicans. We tried to stop you. Now wear it, own up to the pain you’re causing Americans, tell them why taking away their health insurance is a good idea.

The Democrats’ message to Americans must be clear: They did this to you. We tried our best to protect you from this obscene attack on the health care system, but they wouldn’t even talk to us. There is nothing more we can do.

And by the way, this is good politics, winning politics, hardball politics. The Democrats need an exit strategy from the shutdown, and this is an excellent one. We tried to do the right thing for the American people, but the Republicans refused to play ball, so to speak. Don’t get in their way, for this or any other of their assaults on hardworking Americans.

Wear it, Mike Johnson. Wear it, Republican House. Wear it, Republican Senate. Wear it. Donald Trump. Wear it, MAGA. Just wear it.

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Elliott Gorn teaches history at Loyola University Chicago.

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