It's high time the Dems reclaim the initiative in the budget battle. How? By setting their solid terms on voting to raise the debt ceiling.
First, they must say at every opportunity the simple fact is that these votes have, in normal times, been routine.
Then, state that these are not normal times, and significant cuts should be a requirement for democratic votes.
Which cuts? Well, two programs.
One is the subsidy for big oil in exploration and production, with other assorted tax breaks. If the oft-quoted figure of $20 billion is correct , then we achieve a $200 billion savings over ten years.
Then cut $5billion per year from defense for ten years for a $50 billion savings. It's a drop in the bucket and would hardly be felt.
Then make republicans argue against that position.
The debt ceiling must be raised, of course. To not do so would cause finacial chaos. However, it's one of the disasters that Wall St. and big banking would feel.