Obama isn’t out of danger in debt-ceiling debate

[Derechos]

The wounded are especially dangerous fighters. President Obama now occupies the high ground in the debt-ceiling debate, having called the Republicans’ bluff on the debt. He showed that deficit reduction is not now, and never has been, the GOP’s priority. He dare not get overconfident.

After thwarting the deal that House Speaker John Boehner was cooking up with Obama, Rep. Eric Cantor, the majority leader and Boehner’s rival, needs to show he knew what he was doing and recoup political ground. Cantor is likely to present Obama with spending cuts that the president once seemed to endorse as part of a large deal but will have to reject now that the big agreement is dead. There is still a lot of danger out there.

But it’s already clear that history will show that Boehner, the old war horse, was a better political calculator than Cantor, the self-styled “young gun.” Boehner saw an opportunity to make huge cuts in entitlement programs, shake off the severe damage done his party by Rep. Paul Ryan’s budget and ignite a war between Obama and the Democratic base.

Boehner made what, in the larger scheme of things, were modest concessions on tax increases, getting three times as much in spending cuts. Only House Republicans can think that three steps forward and one step back constitutes retreat. Boehner lives in the real world. Most members of his caucus live in Foxland or Rushville, where talk shows define the truth.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/obama-isnt-out-of-danger-in-debt-ceiling-debate/2011/07/13/gIQAvM4ADI_story.html

[PoliticAverse]

1. "It's not over til it's over". n/t

[Kablooie]

10. But when it's over, it's only the beginning.

[FreakinDJ]

2. Today's meeting is to discuss new revenue

[gateley]

4. Make them eat that word, Obama! nt

[TomClash]

3. I was going to post similar sentiments

There's a lot of gloating going on. It's like being up a couple of runs in the 7th inning and thinking the game is over.

It ain't over 'til it's over, as Yogi said.

[gateley]

5. I think everybody is just giddy at the fact that the Republicans

have blinked -- a first. Regardless of the outcome, this has gone a long way in giving many of us a shot of hope!

[TomClash]

6. I know you're right

But it's like tennis - winning a point does not mean the match is over. There's a lot of play left.

[gateley]

9. AND, it doesn't erase the bad plays that have been made previously.

Gotta admit, though, it does make me hope this is a turning point in his Presidency. Which is why I keep yammering to e-mail and thank him -- let him know we LIKE some ass-kicking! :hi:

[AlinPA]

7. Boehner is now just marking time until he calls the vote to deny raising the debt ceiling.

Republicans want a default thinking it will hurt the president politically.

[Tierra_y_Libertad]

8. The people aren't out of danger while this political pissing contest goes on.

Which is also serving as a campaign fundraiser for both sides.