Shutdowns, Obamacare and the Risks of Bargaining for Policy Wins in a Crisis
In October 2013, the United States experienced a significant government shutdown that lasted for 16 days, primarily driven by a fierce political battle over the Affordable Care Act (ACA), commonly known as Obamacare. At the center of this contentious standoff was Speaker of the House John A. Boehner, who faced immense pressure from the more conservative factions within his party, particularly from Senator Ted Cruz. Cruz’s staunch opposition to Obamacare and his advocacy for the shutdown as a means to defund the healthcare law created a rift within the Republican Party, leading Boehner to publicly express his frustration. In a striking moment, Boehner referred to Cruz as “Lucifer in the flesh,” highlighting the intense animosity and division that the shutdown had fostered among GOP members.
The shutdown began on October 1, 2013, when Congress failed to pass a funding bill that would keep the government operational. As the days dragged on, the impact of the shutdown became increasingly apparent, affecting millions of Americans who relied on government services. National parks closed, federal employees were furloughed, and critical services were disrupted, leading to widespread public discontent. The political fallout was significant, with polls indicating that the Republican Party’s approval ratings plummeted as a result of the shutdown. Boehner’s comments about Cruz reflected a growing concern among party leaders regarding the potential long-term damage to the GOP’s reputation and electoral prospects, as they struggled to balance the demands of their conservative base with the need for broader public support.
Ultimately, the standoff concluded on October 17, 2013, when Congress passed a bill to reopen the government and raise the debt ceiling, but not without leaving lasting scars on the political landscape. The episode underscored the deep ideological divides within the Republican Party and set the stage for future conflicts over healthcare and government funding. Boehner’s characterization of Cruz as “Lucifer in the flesh” became emblematic of the internal strife that characterized the GOP during this tumultuous period, illustrating how personal animosities and strategic disagreements can escalate into significant national crises. The 2013 government shutdown serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of partisan extremism and the challenges of governance in an increasingly polarized political environment.
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Speaker John A. Boehner on the 15th day of the 2013 government shutdown. He later lampooned Senator Ted Cruz, who had embraced shutting down the government over Obamacare, as “Lucifer in the flesh.”
Eric
Eric is a seasoned journalist covering US Politics news.
