I just wanted take a moment to cheer Harry Reid on here. I know many, rightfully, have disputes with the Majority Leader on various issues (really, is he a NRA member!?). But on the shutdown/default issue he is spot on. I wish Obama trusted him until the end on the Fiscal Cliff (instead of pulling the Biden escape hatch). But, for now, Obama seems to be following Reid's advice to basically stick it to the Republicans. The longer we wait, the better the deal, from a liberal/Democratic perspective. We SHOULD be willing to move past the deadlines, because the American public clearly blames Republicans (I would link to the polls, but there are literally more than there are words in that sentence). So the negative effects are anchors on the Republicans.
Why bail them out?
Reid is clearly the spine in Obama's back. Thank God.
PS - Mr. President, don't bend at the last second unless you want another hostage negotiation in the future.