Democratic and Republican strategists and pollsters agree that the government shutdown, which will hit the 30-day mark this week, is a growing liability for both parties, which could push congressional leaders to look for an off-ramp to the stalemate soon.

Republicans passed a clean continuing resolution and can argue that Democrats triggered the shutdown by voting for the same type of straightforward funding bill they passed 13 times when they controlled the White House and Senate under President Biden.

But Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) and Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) have to worry that Republicans as the party in control of Washington will get hit hardest because the party in power typically gets the credit or blame for whatever happens on their watch.

“What we’re seeing primarily is disgust with the system as a whole and a pox on both your houses,” Whit Ayres, a prominent Republican pollster, said of polls on the shutdown.

“Most Americans can’t understand why the federal government can’t function effectively enough to pass a budget and keep the government open.”

He said Democrats are playing a weak hand in demanding a permanent extension of the enhanced Affordable Care Act subsidies and a restoration of nearly $1 trillion in Medicaid cuts, given they’re in the Senate and House minority.

“The Democrats don’t control either house of Congress or the presidency, so it’s kind of hard to think that shutting the government down is going to get the majority that controls all three to do something they don’t want to do,” Ayres said.

Democratic strategists acknowledge that the political dynamics of the shutdown are complex and the fight could backfire on them if it drags on for too long and their party is seen as refusing to compromise.

Polls show that........

© The Hill