The New Republic

Yeah, "major." Majorly predictable (Boehner's walking out) and majorly disappointing (Obama's petulant, nervous reaction). “They are going to have to explain to me how it is that we are going to avoid default,” Mr. Obama said. No, Mr President, why don't YOU explain to THEM how it is that YOU are going to avoid default without them? Good Shabbos, Jonathan.

- AaronW

July 22, 2011 at 8:10pm

I don't think his reaction was petulant or nervous. I thought he sounded (rightfully) angry and upset. As for what he can do to avoid default without Congress, that's pretty simple: nothing, unless he wants to challenge the constitutionality of the ceiling.

- kluhman

July 22, 2011 at 8:27pm

They're bluffing.

- IggyPop

July 22, 2011 at 8:57pm

Petulance is in the eye of the petulant.

- liberalref

July 22, 2011 at 9:26pm

Welcome to the fall of the American empire. Now, free the colonies. [Red states.]

- skahn

July 22, 2011 at 9:54pm

Ok, libref, since you're so fond of thought experiments as to what various commenters around these parts would do if they were in Obama's shoes, let me ask, what would you do? Available options: A. Come back with still further concessions on revenue in hopes that maybe, just maybe the Republicans would sign on before it was too late. (You'd have to pray that you wouldn't lose Senate Democrats in the process.) B. Get publicly angry saying you've gone as you can go--farther than anyone in your own party ever expected or wanted you to go--and the Republicans simply HAVE to meet you part way, because the disaster is looming and if those crazies don't wake up quick we're all gonna die. (This. so far, is pretty much the option Obama has chosen.) C. Stay coolly cool and advise the Republicans that the time for negotiations is at an end, that you will sign a clean debt-ceiling raise if they send you one--as you still hope they will find the maturity to do--but that should they fail to do so by August 2 you will exercise your prerogative as chief executive to adjudicate between conflicting directives from the legislature and command Treasury to continue issuing new debt as needed. Which would you choose President Liberalref? You cannot deny that you do have options. Here are three right there before you. Maybe if you're creative you can think of still others. Yes, history has placed you in a major bind, but you are not completely constrained. So among the available options which will you choose? Please remember that you must defend your choice.

- AaronW

July 22, 2011 at 10:03pm

"gone as FAR as you can go..."

- AaronW

July 22, 2011 at 10:04pm

I thought Boehner's voice was cracking in his response and I think he is nervous about his predicament.

- Nusholtz

July 22, 2011 at 11:01pm

Boehner should be nervous. The behavior of the Congressional Republicans is irresponsible. Is the term "fascist" pushing it? I don't think so. I think Boehner probably understands this. The President should get and stay mad and I think he should take the cuts that affect less well-to-do Americans off the table, forgetaboutit. The corporations and their minions, who are a small minority of the voters, at this point feel they own this country. I think it's time to show them they don't.

- Sophia

July 22, 2011 at 11:29pm