I haven't read the entire thread, skimming through it now, but following up on something VOR mentioned earlier, this doesn't sound good for Obama or the rest of our current politicians.

 

I'd have to believe if SS payments weren't able to be made on Obama's watch, it would be almost sure fire political suicide. (And I'm not just speaking of Obama, but the whole lot as VOR mentioned). If that happens I can't see very many of our current politicians surviving the backlash.

McConnell proposed a plan that would essentially give sole authority of raising the debt ceiling to Obama. Instead of accepting one of the spending cut deals in exchange for raising the debt ceiling, Republicans would allow the debt ceiling to be raised without the spending cuts so long as Obama would bear the responsibility. That's certainly better than defaulting, but I think it also shows that the Republicans haven't been serious about this.

Is the fact that Obama wants to raise the debt ceiling a sign of failed leadership?

 

If I read correctly, Bush raised the debt ceiling 7 times during his presidency and all Republican leaders supported him in this. The Deomcrats were against it then and now the tables were reversed. What makes me sick is to think about how this issue is being used as a political football when all it hurts is the American people. Yes, the ceiling needs to be raised, but it needs to be accompanied with tax increases and spending cuts. I would say it's about time that they stop worrying about their political futures and do what is best for the country.

McConnell proposed a plan that would essentially give sole authority of raising the debt ceiling to Obama. Instead of accepting one of the spending cut deals in exchange for raising the debt ceiling, Republicans would allow the debt ceiling to be raised without the spending cuts so long as Obama would bear the responsibility. That's certainly better than defaulting, but I think it also shows that the Republicans haven't been serious about this.

 

that was my understanding of the plan, too. Silliness.

McConnell proposed a plan that would essentially give sole authority of raising the debt ceiling to Obama. Instead of accepting one of the spending cut deals in exchange for raising the debt ceiling, Republicans would allow the debt ceiling to be raised without the spending cuts so long as Obama would bear the responsibility. That's certainly better than defaulting, but I think it also shows that the Republicans haven't been serious about this.

 

Read a great article that I'll try to find again that basically says there are whispers among some Republicans that if this thing gets closer and the president continues to position himself to look like the adult in the room babysitting all the tantrum-throwing children in the Congress, it's not going to reflect well on Republicans as the election approaches. This plan would force the Democrats into some votes that the GOP might be able to use against them come next year. Mitch McConnell is nothing if not shrewd and grounded when it comes to playing the game.

Read a great article that I'll try to find again that basically says there are whispers among some Republicans that if this thing gets closer and the president continues to position himself to look like the adult in the room babysitting all the tantrum-throwing children in the Congress, it's not going to reflect well on Republicans as the election approaches. This plan would force the Democrats into some votes that the GOP might be able to use against them come next year. Mitch McConnell is nothing if not shrewd and grounded when it comes to playing the game.

 

Absolutely agree.

Read a great article that I'll try to find again that basically says there are whispers among some Republicans that if this thing gets closer and the president continues to position himself to look like the adult in the room babysitting all the tantrum-throwing children in the Congress, it's not going to reflect well on Republicans as the election approaches. This plan would force the Democrats into some votes that the GOP might be able to use against them come next year. Mitch McConnell is nothing if not shrewd and grounded when it comes to playing the game.

 

That is half of the problem. They need to quit playing “the game” and start solving this nations problems.

That is half of the problem. They need to quit playing “the game” and start solving this nations problems.

 

Which, as the phrase goes, ain't never gon' happen. Which isn't to say the game doesn't exist for a reason: let's say all the conservatives buckle down and do what they might think is right and press this thing as far as it will go. Then it backfires on them in 2012 and the Dems end up with the presidency and both houses of Congress. Then what good did all that grandstanding do them? McConnell might just be the strategizing realist that an increasingly zealous conservative movement needs to take the senate next year.

McConnell proposed a plan that would essentially give sole authority of raising the debt ceiling to Obama. Instead of accepting one of the spending cut deals in exchange for raising the debt ceiling, Republicans would allow the debt ceiling to be raised without the spending cuts so long as Obama would bear the responsibility. That's certainly better than defaulting, but I think it also shows that the Republicans haven't been serious about this.

 

If Obama agrees to that he is crazy. That is passing the buck (literally) big time by McConnell and frankly, I am surprised he even mentioned that as an option. I guees he was trying to see how dumb or weak or both Obama is. I think Obama is right to push hard right now to get some plan in place that will make cuts and put any further need for legislation needs till after next year's elections.

Obama said last night he wants to tax the big companies such as oil because of the profits they have. Who does he think will end up paying those taxes? I guess he thinks we are all dumb. He wants to tax the wealthy more but the middle class will end up paying for it.

If Obama agrees to that he is crazy. That is passing the buck (literally) big time by McConnell and frankly, I am surprised he even mentioned that as an option. I guees he was trying to see how dumb or weak or both Obama is. I think Obama is right to push hard right now to get some plan in place that will make cuts and put any further need for legislation needs till after next year's elections.

 

If it's either that or defaulting, which assumes no spending deal is reached, then he would have to go that route if it's available. McConnell is definitely trying to pass the buck here, but if the debt ceiling isn't raised and the markets start to panic - or worse - then Republicans are probably going to be saddled with the blame, especially when $4T in spending cuts were on the table. So, as Getslow said, if Republicans don't want to accept a deal with Obama on spending, then this is as shrewd as a move as it gets.

If it's either that or defaulting, which assumes no spending deal is reached, then he would have to go that route if it's available. McConnell is definitely trying to pass the buck here, but if the debt ceiling isn't raised and the markets start to panic - or worse - then Republicans are probably going to be saddled with the blame, especially when $4T in spending cuts were on the table. So, as Getslow said, if Republicans don't want to accept a deal with Obama on spending, then this is as shrewd as a move as it gets.

 

Would the Senate Democrats let a bill like this get through them to Obama?

Would the Senate Democrats let a bill like this get through them to Obama?

 

I have no idea.

Which, as the phrase goes, ain't never gon' happen. Which isn't to say the game doesn't exist for a reason: let's say all the conservatives buckle down and do what they might think is right and press this thing as far as it will go. Then it backfires on them in 2012 and the Dems end up with the presidency and both houses of Congress. Then what good did all that grandstanding do them? McConnell might just be the strategizing realist that an increasingly zealous conservative movement needs to take the senate next year.

 

The Republicans are between a rock and hard place. They signed pledges and ran on promises not to raise taxes and the Democrats won’t remove the tax increases from discussion. So, if the Republicans agree to raise taxes they will get killed in the media and likely in the next election. If the Republicans don’t raise taxes and Obama doesn’t either raise the debt limit temporarily or take the tax increases off the table then it’s economic Armageddon and the Republicans of course will be at fault….according to the Democrats. Sounds like the Democrats are in the driver’s seat to me and both sides are playing politics as usual at the expense of the American people.

Is the fact that Obama wants to raise the debt ceiling a sign of failed leadership?

I think it is failed leadership for awhile including Bushes, Clinton, Reagan and awhile back who kept on pushing the issue off for political points instead of providing needed leadership.