Most Americans oppose Democratic shutdown over healthcare credits

Nearly two-thirds of American voters say that the Democrats in Congress shouldn’t force a federal government shutdown if their demands are not met, according to a new national poll.

But a New York Times/Siena poll also indicates that voters would blame Republicans and President Donald Trump, as well as Democrats, if the government shuts down at midnight Tuesday.

Currently, there’s no indication either Trump and the Republican majority in Congress or congressional Democrats are willing to lower the temperature, with both political parties at odds over a temporary short-term spending plan to avoid the shutdown.

Democrats are insisting that any agreement to prevent a government shutdown must extend tax credits for the popular Affordable Care Act (ACA) beyond the end of this year. Those credits, which millions of Americans rely on to reduce the costs of healthcare plans under the ACA, which was once known as Obamacare, are set to expire unless Congress acts.

HOW A FEDERAL GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN WOULD AFFECT YOU

But most Republicans oppose the extension of the credits and argue that the Democrats’ demands would lead to a huge increase in taxpayer-funded healthcare for migrants who entered the country illegally.

Sixty-five percent of those questioned in the poll said Democrats should not shut down the government even if their demands are not met, with 27% disagreeing.

REPORTER’S NOTEBOOK: DEMOCRATS’ SHUTDOWN GAMBLE REVEALS PARTY DIVISIONS, SCHUMER’S WEAK SPOT WITH THE LEFT 

But many Democrats appear eager for a fight. 

By a 47%-43% margin, Democrats said the party should vote to shut down the government if their demands are not met.

Only 32% of independents and just 5% of Republican respondents said the Democrats should vote to shut down the government.

Meanwhile, the poll also indicates that independent voters are twice as likely to blame Trump and congressional Republicans than Democrats if the government shuts down.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., speaks alongside Russell Vought, Office of Management and Budget director, from left, House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., and Vice President JD…