KRUGMAN:
Six months ago President Obama faced a hostage situation. Republicans threatened to block an extension of middle-class tax cuts unless Mr. Obama gave in and extended tax cuts for the rich too. And the president essentially folded, giving the G.O.P. everything it wanted. Now, predictably, the hostage-takers are back: blackmail worked well last December, so why not try it again?
Even worse, from DIGBY:
It has come to my attention that some Democrats have joined the kabuki conga line. It makes no difference. They are not going to let the country default on the debt either. They are just vying to join the "Very Serious People" caucus.
