The GOP was smarter when they threatened to shut down over debt.

[Hamlette]

Watching Rachel play clips of GOPers boasting/threatening to shut down the government last time. Sounded better when they could say "we need to dig our way out of this debt, the president is not serious about it, not willing to negotiate". And more Americans agreed with them. This time when they say "the president won't even come to the table" it sounds like they are being ridiculous. You don't have to go through the numbers, you just have to remember this from Abe Lincoln:

What is our present condition? We have just carried an election on principles fairly stated to the people. Now we are told in advance, the government shall be broken up, unless we surrender to those we have beaten, before we take the offices. In this they are either attempting to play upon us, or they are in dead earnest. Either way, if we surrender, it is the end of us, and of the government. They will repeat the experiment upon us ad libitum.

via Sullivan.

Are we going there?

[gordianot]

1. The Executive Branch has the authority to act in a national emergency.

These people have shut down the Federal Government they are playing with fire.

[duffyduff]

2. He better do it, too.

No more making nice with these crooks. If it means he risks impeachment, so be it.

[gordianot]

3. If the full faith and credit of the United States is destroyed impeachement would be a minor threat.

They would be wise to pay the bills and live to see another day.

[duffyduff]

5. Exactly. n/t

[defacto7]

4. And again history repeats...

Never ceases to amaze me.