Tag: Debt Ceiling
Chart of the Day — Who the US Owes Money To
Since it looks like we’ll be hearing about the debt ceiling all week (unless the Senate comes up with a rescue plan between this Sunday night writing and Monday morning), it is useful to remind ourselves who the US owes money to:
Republicans May Need To Shut Down The Government Just To “Get It Out Of Their System”
Getting something out of your system is never a sign of maturity. It can be a step towards maturity if the person survives the procedure, but it’s rarely good in itself. We associate getting things out of your system to such things as youthful experimentation, sowing wild oats, drugs, alcohol, sex and obsessions.
Know who else we say needs to get things out of their system? Toddlers having temper tantrums.
Which brings me to this quote:
GOP officials said more than half of their members are prepared to allow default unless Obama agrees to dramatic cuts he has repeatedly said he opposes. Many more members, including some party leaders, are prepared to shut down the government to make their point. House Speaker John Boehner “may need a shutdown just to get it out of their system,” said a top GOP leadership adviser. “We might need to do that for member-management purposes — so they have an endgame and can show their constituents they’re fighting.” [emphasis mine]
[…]
Starting Monday, Boehner will huddle with his leadership team to discuss his preliminary thinking on a spending strategy. A source who attended meetings to prepare for those private talks said GOP leaders are authentically at a loss on how to control members who don’t respond to the normal incentives of wanting to help party leaders or of avoiding situations — like default — that could be public relations nightmares.
So how do you think that huddle is going to work out? What exactly will John Boehner, worst Speaker in history, do? Why he’s going to hold a class (“walk members through”) on default. Don’t get me wrong, the majority of Republicans need this class. They also need a sex ed class and one on Climate Change.
My Advice To Dems: Ignore Republicans
Republicans are in tough guy mode. Lots of chest thumping and trash talk going on as they, once again, thrust the debt ceiling onto center stage. The howling is quite intense, and, as usual, our awesome media will latch onto the hysterics with a passion that would make a Twilight fan blush. My advice to Dems… Ignore it.
Heckuva Job, Teabaggers
In the new NYT/CBS poll, Congress gets the highest ever disapproval rating, 82%.
Let’s Take A Closer Look At Those Triggers
Jonathan Chait has a fascinating analysis of the trigger in the debt deal and how there’s a potential to tear apart the Republican coalition.
BREAKING: Obama To Make Statement On Debt Ceiling At 10:20
This should be very interesting. Use this thread to help live blog the speech. Thanks!
Christine O’Donnell Smites Her Enemies, Part 2
Once again it’s Christine O’Donnell versus the Establishment. This time it’s John McCain who has earned her wrath.
BREAKING: No Vote On Boehner Bill Tonight
it was just announced that there will be no vote on the Boehner bill tonight.
Tea Party Logic: Winning Is Losing And Losing Is Winning
Every time I read, or listen to, Republicans discuss the Debt Limit I immediately think of Alice In Wonderland. “I think I should understand that better, if I had it written down: but I can’t quite follow it as you say it.” Here’s an example of the Tea Party’s “Losing is Winning” logic: Christine O’Donnell. […]
Is The Wingularity Nigh?
Are we entering the wingnut end times where the pure and perfect wingnut emerges?
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