I'm certainly with Christie on this one. Cots suck! Who needs 'em?
While Christie's little story is pretty funny I bring it up for a serious reason. This is the way you handle government shutdowns. Exactly like Christie says he would in this video.
Put your principles out there and don't compromise on them. However, don't be the one to threaten a government shutdown. People don't like those. If your opponent threatens a shutdown unless you capitulate then go ahead and tell them to put their money where their mouth is and sit back and watch the fireworks. When they come crawling back then agree to reopen the government.
Although, watching the Mets lose to the fightin' Phils must be pretty depressing so I would say avoid that.