If the Republican Congress shuts down the government

[Fearless]

Bernie's populist message will catch fire. When social security and welfare checks stop flowing and the parks service closes... It would play directly to his strengths.

Just you wait and see.

[yeoman6987]

1. Shut down the government?

I can't think of a time when shutting down the government stopped any checks or anything. The Repugs purposefully closes down the government that impacts very little of the population. This is done purposefully so that they can say, "see government isn't needed." Don't underestimate their malicious agenda.

[Fearless]

2. You do realize this was a really worry last time?

And that worry is a lighted match in an already exceptionally dry tinderbox.

[jeff47]

3. Depends on which checks.

1) Federal employees stop receiving paychecks.

2) Shutting down federal facilities mean other people stop receiving paychecks - the diner on the road to a closed federal facility isn't going to be selling much food.

3) Sometimes, checks can continue to flow from previous appropriations. Like SNAP during the last shutdown. This time, the USDA doesn't have enough money to keep SNAP going.

4) Checks funded from things that are not in appropriations bills can keep flowing - for example Social Security checks. However, #1 means there may be delays or other problems with some Social Security checks.

Also, the last shutdown cost the economy a few percent of GDP. People noticed. The "this won't hurt anyone" plan showed that it hurt everyone.

[Jester Messiah]

4. I think Boehner's play mooted this discussion

At least for the time being. We'll probably see the next act in December.

[Fearless]

5. Even closer to the election.

[PoliticAverse]

6. Social Security checks don't stop during the shutdowns. n/t