A SS-slasher Republican says "We now have a great deal more leverage against the White House."

[Faryn Balyncd]

Is it a mere coincidence that the same Rep. Tom Cole (R-Ok) who said on MSNBC this morning,

"We now have a great deal more leverage against the White House."

is the same Tom Cole who just 2 days ago predicted the following:

But including “chained CPI” would be “extremely helpful” to ensure that some spending cuts occur alongside tax cuts for millions of Americans, said Rep. Tom Cole (R-Okla.).

“I think the White House was willing to put that on the table. Now they’re trying to pull that back,” he said, but added: “At the end of the day, I don’t know that it’s critical, because it’s going to come up for discussion again. Sooner or later it’s going to happen.”

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/post-politics/wp/2012/12/30/waiting-and-watching-in-the-house/

Would it be an overstatement to conclude that in the next fight over Social Security/"chained CPI" in February, we will face rather emboldened adversaries?

[Zen Democrat]

1. Not as emboldened as our president who said he would not be held hostage to the debt ceiling again.

The Republicans can bluster, but the POTUS has the responsibility of paying for the bills enacted by the Congress. He doesn't need their permission to follow the Constitution.

[W_HAMILTON]

2. Then why did he ask for their permission last time around?

The next time the president follows through with an ultimatum like this supposed one regarding the debt ceiling will be the first time.

[jeff47]

3. Do I need to link the definition of "Again"? (nt)