The debt ceiling isn’t Obama’s problem. It’s the GOP’s problem.

[ProSense]

The debt ceiling isn’t Obama’s problem. It’s the GOP’s problem.

Posted by Greg Sargent

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Some Republicans are now coming out and acknowledging that the GOP may not be in a strong position in the debt ceiling battle, after all. Here’s Newt Gingrich, on Morning Joe today, telling Republicans that a debt ceiling fight is a “loser” for them:

“They’ve got to find, in the House, a totally new strategy. Everybody’s now talking about, ‘Oh, here comes the debt ceiling.’ I think that’s, frankly, a dead loser. Because in the end, you know it’s gonna happen. The whole national financial system is going to come in to Washington and on television, and say: ‘Oh my God, this will be a gigantic heart attack, the entire economy of the world will collapse. You guys will be held responsible.’ And they’ll cave.”

And here’s the Wall Street Journal editorial page, warning against it in similar terms:

Mr. Obama will say Republicans are risking national default and recession, most of Wall Street will echo him, and the Treasury will maneuver to apply maximum political pressure — for example, by claiming it can’t pay Social Security benefits. We’ll support efforts to cut spending and reform entitlements, but the political result will be far worse if Republicans start this fight only to cave in the end. You can’t take a hostage you aren’t prepared to shoot.

This gets right to the heart of the matter, which is this: Are Republicans really prepared to let the country go into default and take the blame for crashing the economy? Sure, maybe some Tea Party Republicans are, but if GOP leaders aren’t, and the next compromise can be passed through the House with mostly Democratic votes, then all of a sudden the GOP position doesn’t look so strong, after all.

And so maybe the question of what “not negotiating” on the debt ceiling looks like has a simpler answer than you might think: The White House just treats this as Congress’ problem. You can see that framing already in this comment from the White House today (emphasis mine): ”It is quite clear that the economy will be better if Congress does its job and does what it routinely has done historically which is raise the debt limit without problem.”

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This is on Congress. If Republicans are willing to force a choice between destroying the economy and gutting popular social programs, let them wallow in that winning message. If they’re willing to tank the economy to get what they want — after taking a shellacking in the election and proving so dysfunctional that they could not pass tax cuts for everyone but the ultra-wealthy without substantial Democratic help — then it’s on them. Just leave it there.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/plum-line/wp/2013/01/04/the-debt-ceiling-isnt-obamas-problem-its-the-gops-problem/

The Left's Sequester Leverage
http://www.democraticunderground.com/10022129660

[samsingh]

1. let's hope our President stands firm on this

[global1]

2. Agreed - He Should Say No Negotiations With THe Repugs...

if the Repug House can't go along and raise the 'debt ceiling' as has been historically done throughout history and if the economy crashes - it is all on them. Just tell them that - and don't talk about it with them.

Boehner has already said - he will not negotiate one on one with the President. So let the President take him on his word. "John - it's up to you and your Party."

PBO should use the kind of the language one of the speakers that talked to an empty chair at the Repug Convention is famous for.

Here is what he should say:

"I know what you’re thinking John - "Did I use up all my political capital on the fiscal cliff deal?" Well, to tell you the truth John, in all this excitement, I’ve kinda lost track myself. But being that I won the election, and I'm the most powerful leader in the world, and do not care about your problems with your caucus, you’ve got to ask yourself one question: "Do I feel lucky?" Well do ya, punk?

[Cha]

3. K&R Thanks ProSense

[bemildred]

4. Yep. It is 100% bullshit.

Congress CREATED the debt limit, it is nothing but show business.

[ProSense]

5. Yup. n/t