CNN commentators assess the impact and causes of the government shutdown . Frida Ghitis : The spectacle is baffling to America 's friends , encouraging to its enemies . End of story . David Gergen : The shutdown is bad , but could have a silver lining if it forestalls default . John Cassidy : It will be hard for Republicans in Congress to pass any kind of spending bill without Democratic support. As in the past , we 'll survive the shutdown without lasting effects .
CNN commentators assess the impact and causes of the government shutdown . Frida Ghitis : The spectacle is baffling to America 's friends , encouraging to its enemies . David Gergen : The shutdown is bad , but could have a silver lining if it forestalls default . John Cassidy : It will be hard for Republicans in Congress to pass any kind of spending bill without Democratic support. As in the past , we 'll survive the shutdown without lasting effects .