Exasperation, disappointment and anger were some of the responses The National Law Journal received from prominent practitioners when asked about their reactions to the federal government shutdown on October 1. Others described it as a necessary evil, and some thought the consequences of it would not live up to the media hype. Here’s what these lawyers had to say. —Leigh Jones
“My reaction was that it was a ploy by the Obama administration to get 100 percent of what they want out of Congress—that the Republicans are responding to overwhelming view of the American people that Obamacare needs substantial reform.” — James Bopp Jr., The Bopp Law Firm, Terre Haute, Ind.
“Now is the perfect chance for everybody in Washington to spend some time reading The Federalist Papers. They need to remember how the government is supposed to work.”— Theodore Boutrous Jr., partner, Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher, Los Angeles
“It’s not just Congress—it takes two or three to tango in this town. It’s a larger political community problem, and there needs to be improved leadership from all quarters. I think businesses are hoping to see improved leadership.”
