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Trump seems oblivious to political appearances or the risk that the shutdown could further damage him among most Americans who have soured on his second term. Creating an impression of gilded indifference, he hosted a “Great Gatsby”-themed Halloween party at his luxury Florida club and boasted about the swish renovation of a bathroom at the White House.
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In a combative interview on CBS’ “60 Minutes” on Sunday, Trump showed no sign of looking for a way out that did not involve a total defeat for Democrats, whom he described as “crazed lunatics.” He said the opposition party would eventually “have to” capitulate and vote to open the government.

The president has complicated GOP calculations by renewing demands for reluctant Senate Republicans to shatter the chamber’s filibuster rule to reopen the government with a simple majority vote. GOP leaders fear this would embolden a future Democratic majority.