Democrats own the debt ceiling debacle
If the United States government should default on the national debt during the next few weeks, Democrats will be responsible.
This is a practical truth: Democrats occupy the White House and narrowly control both the House and Senate. They run the joint. It's also a political reality. A new poll shows a third of Americans would blame Democrats for the default, while just 16 percent would put the onus on Republicans. (Four in 10 would blame both parties.)
That doesn't mean this assignment of responsibility is entirely fair. Preserving the full faith and credit of the United States is a bipartisan constitutional obligation, and the GOP has contributed its fair share to the tab. Nonetheless, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) and his colleagues have vowed that Democrats will have to raise the federal debt ceiling on their own. Considering the predicted consequences of default — six million jobs lost, $15 trillion in wealth erased — the Republican position is beyond reckless.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Democrats and progressive commentators are frustrated, not just with the GOP's nihilism, but at "both sides" media coverage of the issue. "If the blame is generally apportioned to both sides, it nevertheless seems like the onus is always on Democrats to fix the problem," Dan Froomkin wrote Tuesday at Press Watch. Sen. Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) agreed on Twitter: "I'm sick to my stomach that Republicans are explicitly promising to take the country into an economic abyss and many reporters are like 'How wily! How will Democrats navigate this?'" "It's simply taken for granted that Republicans break things and Democrats clean up after them," added Josh Marshall of Talking Points Memo.
Well ... yes.
It's unfortunate only one party in America is dedicated to responsible governance, but there's little to be done about it at the moment. The media treats the debt ceiling as a Democratic problem because Democrats are the party willing to do something about it. It's that simple. Democrats are the grownups — and have to act like it.
Being an adult often means doing the right and necessary thing and getting little credit, if not plenty of blame. It's no fair, but until Republicans stop acting like children, Democrats have no choice.
Create an account with the same email registered to your subscription to unlock access.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Joel Mathis is a freelance writer who has spent nine years as a syndicated columnist, co-writing the RedBlueAmerica column as the liberal half of a point-counterpoint duo. His work also regularly appears in National Geographic, The Kansas City Star and Heatmap News. His awards include best online commentary at the Online News Association and (twice) at the City and Regional Magazine Association.
-
What is cloud seeding and did it cause Dubai's severe rainfall?
The Explainer The future is flooded
By Devika Rao, The Week US Published
-
American Airlines pilots are warning of a 'significant spike' in safety issues
In the Spotlight The pilot's union listed 'problematic trends' they say are affecting the airline's fleet
By Justin Klawans, The Week US Published
-
6 star-spangled presidential libraries to visit
The Week Recommends These institutions provide insight into American leaders
By Catherine Garcia, The Week US Published
-
Is the Supreme Court about to criminalize homelessness?
Talking Points The court will decide if bans on outdoor camping are 'cruel and unusual'
By Joel Mathis, The Week US Published
-
Myanmar: the Spring Revolution and the downfall of the generals
Talking Point An armed protest movement has swept across the country since the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi was overthrown in 2021
By The Week Staff Published
-
Arizona court reinstates 1864 abortion ban
Speed Read The law makes all abortions illegal in the state except to save the mother's life
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
Trump, billions richer, is selling Bibles
Speed Read The former president is hawking a $60 "God Bless the USA Bible"
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
The debate about Biden's age and mental fitness
In Depth Some critics argue Biden is too old to run again. Does the argument have merit?
By Grayson Quay Published
-
It's not really about Biden's brain — unless it is
Talking Points Depending on who you ask, the renewed focus on the president's mental acuity is an election-year distraction, a legitimate point of concern, and sometimes both
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
The politics of music: should political rallies use well-known songs?
Talking Point The Smiths star Johnny Marr is latest musician to object to use of his music at a Donald Trump rally
By Sorcha Bradley, The Week UK Published
-
How would a second Trump presidency affect Britain?
Today's Big Question Re-election of Republican frontrunner could threaten UK security, warns former head of secret service
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published