Whatever reasons they may have had, Democrats caving to Republicans over the government shutdown was a big slap in the face of their supporters, asserts Michelle Goldberg of The New York Times. The rise of President Trump has fueled liberal activism around the country. They rallied behind the Democratic Party, in part, because it appeared to be an ally in the fight for progressive values. DACA and Dreamers are highly important to much of the Democratic base. No amount of political chess moves can make up for the damage of having given Trump what he wants, especially over an issue with such a potential for causing pain.