It was always likely to end this way.

US government shutdowns are so common that they have a known rhythm. The side making demands will hold out for as long as they can, until they eventually cave to reality. They will inevitably bank some minor concession and pretend it’s a huge win.

The Democrats’ Senate leader Chuck Schumer. Progressive Democrats are calling for him to resign.Credit: AP

After more than 40 days, this shutdown – the longest ever – is set to end after a group of breakaway Democrats, and one independent who caucuses with them, struck a deal with Republicans (who control Congress and the White House).

Democrats were refusing to reopen the government until Republicans agreed to extend healthcare subsidies under the Affordable Care Act – a signature reform under Barack Obama – that are beginning to expire. Without this, premiums will skyrocket for millions of Americans.

The breakaway group of eight have settled for a Republican promise to hold a vote on healthcare in the Senate next month. Policy-wise, that bill has a snowflake’s chance in hell of success. But it will allow Democrats to say Republicans voted against healthcare, and use the footage in the midterm elections.

The backdown has set off a firestorm among Democrats, just as

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