So...looks like it's going to happen. A slow clap for the U.S. government, ladies and gentlemen.

I don't think this Congress could reach a majority decision on which way is up or which way is down.

And I bet if their pay was actually at risk like other government or federal workers, they'd have agreed on this long ago. They fact they still get paid for being so irresponsible during this is ridiculous.

What will Leslie Knope do?

They passed a "No Budget, No Pay" bill earlier in the year for an April deadline. What happened to that?

The problem now is each chamber has passed its own version of continuing resolution. But the Senate keeps rejecting the House version of the bill (the one with the ObamaCare delay provision). And House leaders have so far refused to call a floor vote on the Senate-approved clean bill. They are playing the game of chicken like they did in December 2012. That time the fiscal cliff was resolved one day past the deadline.

Is NOW too soon for Congress to talk about the debt ceiling? Or maybe they should wait until Oct 17?

and my job is tied into the shutdown.

You are a teacher right? So you get unpayed vacation too?

Ted Cruz is really at fault.

He has relied up a lot of extreme views into the mainstream.

Teachers are not federal employees.

Might actually have a slight impact on a few projects I'm working on as well.

Schools don't close during a government shutdown. But I'm actually not still teaching public school so it's a non issue anyway.

Silly America.

I was waiting for Algren to make a yank joke, and I must say, I'm a tad disappointed. Just a measly two words?

I'm just too upset at the moment with the lack of David. I could only muster a measly two words.

I blamed the founding fathers!!!

They wanted a US Republic System

Alexander Hamilton knew the best system would have been a parliament system!


Problem is Congress is to divided and there are few moderates these days.
Or if there are moderates they are not the loudest voices anymore.

Back in the days Congress and the Senate used to be filled with "old timers" but these guys were able to get things done.

I remember reading that Newt Gingrich and Bill Clinton really went at it but they were on the phone all the time talking about issues. Even with all the problems a lot of legislation was passed and balanced budgets were created during the 90's.

These days I read that in the past week the Speaker and the President have only spoken once.

I agree Republicans are crazy but I think Obama key failure has been to get moderates in congress on his side.

Reagan and Clinton were sucessful in doing so.

I wouldn't use the word moderate. Democrats are moderates. But we certainly live in a partisan country, that's for sure.

Obama hasn't "failed" to get moderates on his side. He's "failed" to get Republicans on his side. Because they're fucking insane.

It is a very frustrating situation because the moment Obama walked into office, the far right has refused to work with him on anything. And as of 2010, the far right now represents most of the failing GOP. It is making the centrist Democrats look like leftists and unwilling to negotiate, when the reality is the House is full of rookie politicians who are more concerned about ideologies than running a country.

I have my issues with Obama, and I have been disappointed with him, but this whole situation is a problem that rests almost squarely with an immature GOP House.

Of course Obama is dealing with a lot of nut jobs but...

Remember Obama is not the first President to deal with a crazy congress.

Reagan got the govt shut down on him many times, and Bill Clinton got impeached and had to deal with Newt Gingrich Tantrums, but those guys were experienced leaders before they go to office.

When we look back to this time, no one is going to remember the likes of Ted Cruz or Bohener but what did Obama do during this time. I think the President should remember that.


Even so I doubt the Democrats are taking back the house because we thought the GOP screwed itself with the 2011 Fiscal Craze mess and they still kept the house.

Pretty much no major laws are going to get passed.

I do think however Hilary would have had a much easier time because she is like Bill who was able to deal with a rather crazy congress.

That is why I hope she wins in 2016 because imo I think Democrats have gone insane if they think Elizabeth Warren is going to get elected, she is far far to left.

I don't think Hillary will run.

I'm all in on a President that's between 35-45 years old. (Democrat, obv)

Jack-booted park service fascist thugs on The Mall.

You're not?

Chippy, LOL.

I dont care if its a martian...

Next President should be a President that goes yes we do!! then yes we can!

What does this mean and why are you laughing about it?

You seem not quite human. Like an alien race studied humans by watching Perfect Strangers and replicated Balki. But with none of the charm.