Democrats finally had bargaining power and they caved. It’s nothing new – but it’s proof voters must make our demands clear Democrats finally had bargaining power and they caved. It’s nothing new – but it’s proof voters must make our demands clear Chuck Schumer couldn’t hold his senators together at a time when their unity and toughness were essential. And at a time when they were winning : most of the public was blaming Republicans for the shutdown , and pressure was growing to reopen the