If you accept my premise that false equivalence is the main weapon Republicans have in their government shutdown ambivalence, then the morning headlines fingered by Think Progress‘ Rebecca Leber represent the voices of weapons dealers:
1) WaPo:
In shutdown blame game, Democrats and Republicans united: It’s the other side’s fault
2) TIME:
Shutdown: Obama and Republicans Trade Blame as Deadline is Crossed
3) Fox:
Partial shutdown begins: Can Congress, White House Compromise?
4) MLive:
Reactions to government shutdown: Is it “wanton destruction” by Republicans or a lack of compromise from Democrats?
5) USAToday
House, Senate parry on “Obamacare” as shutdown imminent
Maybe such headlines reflect laziness and ignorance rather than silent partisanship, but they are more effective instruments for the GOP position than the fieriest Ted Cruz speech.