Underreported - Republicans Are Trying Shutdown Govt To Save Face On Debt Ceiling Vote

[TomCADem]

As has been reported, there are two big upcoming votes. The vote to fund the government past October 1st and the vote to extend or ignore the debt ceiling. Of these two, the debt ceiling vote is far more consequential.

The vote to fund the government is significant and will have severe economic repercussions, but a government shutdown will not have the impact of a default on the federal debt.

Of course, Republicans have sold their souls to the tea party element of their party with folks like Ted Cruz calling the shots. Thus, if Boehner were to give in on the funding vote, the radical right would go absolutely insane when it comes to the debt ceiling vote, and may not actually pass an increase in the debt ceiling, which could be financially catastrophic. Many Republicans believe their own talking points about President Obama caving and agreeing to repeal the ACA in exchange for an increase in the debt ceiling, thus there is a real danger of a default, if Boehner were to give in now.

Thus, Republican leadership probably thinks that it is better to bring things to a head now and shut down the government to test Democratic resolve, rather than to test this resolve in connection with the debt ceiling. Afterall, it is better for Republicans to be wrong on the funding vote, rather than the debt ceiling.

Finally, the fact of the matter is that many in the radical right want to shutdown the government for no other reason than to let out steam as a sort of protest vote. Hence, you see these right wing fantasy wish lists that are doomed to fail. To a certain extent, the shutdown is designed to appease the GOP's radical base, so that they can say to their constituents that they were willing to shut down the government, which they did.

Of course, at the end of the day, the question is whether the general electorate holds Republicans accountable, or does the general electorate buy into the false equivalence narrative being pushed by the media, which gives Republicans cover.

[Thinkingabout]

1. Maybe this is because the House has voted 41 times to repeal ACA and it has failed 41 times.

We should throw in gun control and raising taxes to give them a reason to cry.

[DallasNE]

3. In 2011 When We Just went to the brink

The credit rating was downgraded and it cost the nation $16 billion in higher interest rates. It also caused a four month slump in jobs or about 300, 000 jobs.

[Thinkingabout]

4. But again, the GOP thinks they are hurting Obama, they can't see the forest for the trees.

I think it is amazing the GOP voted to give Bush everything and when it was pointed out Bush had never vetoed a bill they rushed out and put a crap bill so he could say he vetoed a bill. It is all a game with the current bunch, when I see Culberson and Louie name attached I know it isn't good.

[lastlib]

2. No need for repuglikkans to save face -- they have another one!!

[truebluegreen]

5. I doubt if Republicans, especially Boehner, are sensible enough

to pick the lesser of two evils. And I think if the administration or Senate gives them anything on this, they will just go for more on the debt ceiling.

It is not just that we shouldn't, there IS no negotiating with terrorists.

[TomCADem]

7. Its A Matter of Placating Their Base...

...Republicans need to shutdown the government, because they will need to give in on the debt ceiling. With their wish list, they have created impossible expectations among the right wing. If Boehner allows a continuing resolution, and caves on the debt ceiling, then most House Republicans will get heat from their insane base. So, this is designed to give a scalp to the crazy right.

[truebluegreen]

8. i agree--but I think it will backfire.

The Teahadists will get the bit and their teeth and they will run with it. We have already seen that they won't take yes for an answer in negotiations, always wanting more, and More! It think the shutdown will go on until the debt crisis looms--while we and the big money boyz pummel them. I hope we will stand strong, and give them nothing. We have to drive a stake through the vampire heart of these terrorists.

[blkmusclmachine]

6. If we had an honest Media/an "Opposition Party" worth something, the GOPee would be FINISHED.

But, alas, we have neither of those things.