Julian Zelizer : Liberal complaints about the tactics of the right accomplish nothing . He says liberals should be looking for ways to pressure GOP members in their districts . If GOP can normalize shutdowns , it will use tactic again and again , he says . Zelizer : Political scientist Matthew Green estimates that there are 48 Republicans in the `` fearful caucus , '' who are not in the hard `` no '' faction but whose primary concern is being at risk in a primary challenge . The shutdown is a political disaster that could cost Republicans control of Congress next year.
Julian Zelizer : Liberal complaints about the tactics of the right accomplish nothing . He says liberals should be looking for ways to pressure GOP members in their districts . If GOP can normalize shutdowns , it will use tactic again and again , he says . Zelizer : The shutdown is a political disaster that could cost Republicans control of Congress next year.