“They will not collect a ransom in exchange for not crashing the
American economy,” Mr. Obama said during his final news conference of
his first term in office. “The full faith and credit of the United
States of America is not a bargaining chip.”
The president repeated his vow to seek what he called a “balanced”
approach to reduce the nation’s deficit during the months ahead. But he
said he would not negotiate on the debt ceiling, and he said Republicans
in Congress would be responsible for the effects of a refusal to raise
it.
“It would be a self-inflicted wound on the economy,” Mr. Obama said. “It
would slow down our growth and tip us into recession. To even entertain
the idea of this happening is irresponsible. It’s absurd.” He added: “America cannot afford another debate with this Congress about
whether or not they should pay the bills they’ve already racked up.”
In today's speech which was originally around the coming fight around the debt ceiling, President Obama also said that lawful and responsible gun owners have little to fear. No specifics were given about what sort of legislation would be proposed but the tone was less strict and less pointed than in prior speeches.
Again, some form of gun control is coming. Likely it is around longer universal registrations, closing of gun-show loopholes, and limiting high-capacity magazine sales. That being said, what will be proposed remains to be seen and most of the public likely expects that whatever is proposed is something that has better than a decent chance of being passed in Congress.
Unfortunately the potential victim in this game of chicken over the debt ceiling would be The American Public. And it would be done ostensibly by the hands of Republicans. That will be the perception at least.
EU-Digest
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