Alice Stewart is a CNN political commentator and former communications director for Ted Cruz's 2016 presidential campaign. The views expressed in this commentary are hers. (CNN) When is a spending deal not a spending deal? Unfortunately, Democrats let politics take priority over policy, thus paralyzing any compromise, ultimately shutting down the government. Washington will point fingers and look to place blame, while the American people will suffer.

Source: CNN January 21, 2018 23:15 UTC