The Media. The Media. The Media.
Topple the Associated Press and things will change. Until then, bitching about Obama, Congress, Boehner, etc., is a waste of time.
Middle America’s worldview is that of the AP. Replace the AP.
The media does not want a shutdown, After the 2013 shutdown the Republicans increased their majority in the house, took over the senate and substantially increased their representation in state and local governments. Why should the current leaders want to do it again?