I think the President has always known the 14th Amend is in his back pocket

[titaniumsalute]

The White House has always said that it is not an option. Frankly I think that they know it is an option. However, in negotiation, you never present your last option (BATNA - Best Alternative To Non-Agreement) until you absolutely must.

I think if the Teabaggers continue to hold the House hostage to raise the debt ceiling the President will raise it himself. He will show his "bold" leadership and make the decision himself.

Just my very weak two cents.

[cantbeserious]

1. Obama Exercising The 14th Amendment Without Compromising SS and Medicare

Would get my vote back.

[msongs]

2. Q: how did it get to the last option state? A: embracing the republican agenda lol nt

[Motown_Johnny]

3. If he uses it he needs it to look as if he was forced to use it

and stating earlier that it was a possibility would have destroyed that argument.


I am still doubtful that anything can pass The House so this may still happen.

[titaniumsalute]

4. Right on

[Poll_Blind]

5. I just don't think the "It's all a bluff" explanation holds any more water than "It's 11-D chess."

The problem with both types of explanations is that the President has time and time again gone and stated this or that is his course of action. This is not directed at you, specifically, but the concept that it's "all a bluff", especially, is only something that people are trotting out on message boards in order to control dissent.

Outside of that scope, you'll see it has 0% traction.

PB

[titaniumsalute]

7. Using a BATNA in a negotiation isn't a bluff

There's always an outcome. What is the White House's idea of a best outcome? Probably a deal between Dems and Reps. But if that doesn't happen there's two more alternatives. 1. the 14th amendment. 2. All out default.

I would make an educated guess that Obama would use the 14th amendment before an all out default.

[Sportsguy]

6. But Plouffe Just Said On MTP The 14th Was Not An Option

or is it? I don't know why Obama would wait, and accept the political risk he'd take in the process.

[Skip_In_Boulder]

8. I think that as well but I really hope he doesn't

at the last minute.

[nevergiveup]

9. It is an option but it is a terrible option.

He has obviously known about it and would likely attempt to use it in the end if the country collapses but he also knows it would result in a constitutional crisis. Rachel had a liberal constitutional lawyer on the other night and he said whether or not Obama can even use the 14th under these circumstances is totally nebulous.

[Tierra_y_Libertad]

10. Unfortunately, he mixed up with his white flag.