What’s going on with Reagan? Did the government shut down twice for less than a day each time? Or is that supposed to be no shutdowns under Reagan?

The story that I suspect is trying to be told is that “Republicans cause shutdowns” but that is not what this shows. Using a basic PCC¹ shows that these 2 variables aren’t particularly correlated:

With a standard error of +/- 0.302 the signal is technically outside the noise, but it’s not a strong signal and is indicative that different methodologies will give different results.

In other words the data shown does not support the hypothesis. It’s barely correlated and certainly not to enough of a degree to argue causation.

This might show the assumed premise if it included every year without a shutdown. I’m lazy, but I linked the tools so if somebody else wants to show that they can.

This does, arguably, show that shutdown length increases over time independent of controlling parties.

But, as is, it’s a chart of two uncorrelated variables where the author and audience are assuming causation despite available data.

^1. not ideal, especially with such little data, but I’m lazy.^

is a bit old, shutdown ended the 12th and lasted 43 days https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_United_States_federal_government_shutdown?wprov=sfla1

You live with your roommate. Your neighborhood is run by an HOA. Your landlord is somehow not regulated by the HOA.

Your roommate and the landlord have decided they are going to demolish a house wall, with no general plan to clean up the destruction. They don’t care what you have to say.

You decide not to pay your rent unless they both:

a) give up the needless idea of demolishing a perfectly good wall
b) fix the goddamned shower that barely functions correctly

You’re called the bad guy to your HOA, neighbors, and even your family. People you don’t even know call and harass you on the regular.

That wall is what separates your bedroom from the outside; it includes your closet.