Charlamagne tha God: Democrats Losing Messaging Battle Over Shutdown

Radio host Charlamagne tha God criticized Democrats on Monday for failing to control the narrative around the ongoing government shutdown. Speaking with MSNBC’s Nicolle Wallace on her podcast The Best People, he said, “Republicans are better at messaging than Democrats will ever be,” adding that polls show Americans increasingly blame Democrats for the impasse.

The shutdown, now in its third week, is being dubbed the “Schumer Shutdown” by Republicans. It has already cost taxpayers over $8 billion. Democrats have refused to pass a temporary funding bill without securing expanded Obamacare subsidies, which include provisions some claim would fund healthcare for undocumented immigrants.

Charlamagne argued Democrats are taking a principled stand but failing to connect with voters. “They’re saying, ‘Yeah, we’re the reason the government is shut down, but it’s to protect healthcare.’ Still, people are hurting.” He also called out MSNBC for dismissing public concerns about border security, saying, “You can’t just chalk it up to MAGA messaging.”

Meanwhile, the Senate voted 50–43 against a House-passed resolution to fund the government through November, falling short of the 60 votes needed. Senators Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV) and Angus King (I-ME) sided with Republicans, while Sen. John Fetterman (D-PA) missed the vote.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune blamed Democrats for creating the current crisis, saying they passed Obamacare and its expiring tax credits alone. Another vote is expected Wednesday, but analysts warn the shutdown could stretch into November with no resolution in sight.