In a perfect world 12 seperate bills would work but you have things like the Dems not wanting to spend on defense and only health care and Republicans doing the opposite. This is why we see bills get bundled so that both sides get “wins”

110% this is a tool parties use. However, this is the first complete shutdown to last through multiple pay periods. Not only that but this is the first time Democrates have been willing to shut down the government. That's straight out of the Republican playbook and it's almost just playing into Republicans' hands with it.

When you look at the bases and who gets hurt and will turn against their base its the Democrates that are in more trouble especially with independent voters. Republicans are benefiting from te general rightward shift of the population and the Republican base has long clamored for shutting the government down so this is an okay thing.

I've been looking to get out and now that we are shut down there is a concern that w are essentially tied to the job till the government funds itself as to not surrender our paid time off leave that is supposed to be paid out.

Right now there just isn't anything more Speaker Johnson can give the Senate Democrats without facing a rebellion.