Van Jones criticizes Democrats for timing of government shutdown
- Van Jones discussed the government's impending shutdown during a broadcast of HBO's 'Real Time' on Friday.
- He expressed that the timing of the shutdown is detrimental to the American people and the Democrats' reputation.
- Jones concluded that Democrats should be careful with their leverage and timing to avoid further public backlash.
In the context of a government shutdown, Van Jones, a CNN Political Commentator, shared his perspective during an episode of HBO's 'Real Time' on Friday, where he expressed concern over the Democrats' strategy. He recalled a conversation from three months prior with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, where Schumer had convinced him that shutting down the government was unwise. Jones highlighted that currently, the Democrats face pressure to act amidst rising health insurance premiums, which could burden Americans significantly by the end of November. He warned that such drastic actions like a government shutdown could exacerbate public discontent, as citizens may blame Democrats for hindering government functions and numerous services. This creates a paradox for the Democratic Party; while they aim to use their leverage effectively, the methods and timing they've chosen may ultimately displeasingly impact their support base and political stature in the long run. Acknowledging the situation further, Jones reiterated the importance of strategic timing in leveraging political power without harming the American populace more than necessary.