In Washington today, a reported deal to reopen the government and raise the debt limit by Thursday was on-again, off again. Deal or no deal, there’s no guarantee that another, similar crisis won’t arise a few weeks from now. Tea Party Republicans want an end to business as usual, and new sources of funding allow them to thumb their noses at the traditional GOP. Today’s plan by the House was rejected by the Obama White House—although it was similar to the Senate plan with some amendments.
Who’s in control on Capitol Hill? What about next year’s elections? Is real compromise possible in Washington’s 24-hour goldfish bowl?