On Raising the Debt Ceiling: Then and Now

Three small points in reply:

I was bashing Bush, too, and was bashing him from about 2002 on... didn't even vote for him for re-election. My record here is clear.

Listen, I'm very connected and sophisticated, politically. Agree or disagree w/my viewpoints, it just is. So here's the facts on 3rd parties: given the massive structural disadvantages they face, they'r a pure pipe dream. A more philosophical GOP is our best hope. Bringing that about is a tough fight, too, you'd correctly assert, but it's a much lower hurdle than creating a viable 3rd party.

Bashing on Obama? Get used to it-- I don't intend to remain silent as he pulls his supposed Clintonian transformation. He's going to run even farther to the right than folks expect, and for one reason: to protect his healthcare law. That's his one legacy. If we re-elect him, then he'll be able to run enough time off the clock over the ensuing 4 years that we'll never be able to repeal it. And our financial fate will be sealed as a result. Since I believe there has literally been nothing more important in the economic history of this country than defeating Barack Obama in 2012, don't expect my messaging to change much.

Thanks for taking the time to clarify your perspective, I always appreciate the responses.