I had no idea that the Debt Limit increase has always been a partisan vote.

[trumad]

It seems that not one Democratic Senator, including Barack Obama, voted to increase the limit when Bush was President.

“We have no choice," said Harry Reid. "Everybody in the world recognizes that this country cannot default on its debt. We have a credit card we have to pay.”

But, for the minority party, debt ceiling votes provide an irresistible temptation for partisan bickering.

This is what Reid had to say as minority leader in 2006, when Republicans controlled the Senate. “How can the Republican majority in this Congress explain to their constituents that trillions of dollars of new debt is good for our economy," he asked.

That year, Senate Democrats voted against raising the debt ceiling, confident that the Republican majority would provide the votes needed to increase the borrowing limit and avert a fiscal crisis. Among those casting a ‘no’ vote was then-Senator Obama, who argued that raising the debt limit amounted to a failure of economic leadership under then-President George W. Bush.
http://www.voanews.com/english/news/usa/US-Debt-Ceiling-Votes-Invite-Partisanship-124211859.html

[Suji to Seoul]

1. Why? Because playing Brinksmanship is FUN for all!!!!

[quaker bill]

3. When you know you don't have the votes

there is no brink. Dems did not fillibuster these votes they just voiced disapproval of Bush policy. Only republicans have been willing to shut the government down over this.

[mdmc]

2. It is all a game to them = ask them about the drug war

Obama admitted to using cocaine - but will never do time for the crime..