There's no point in this route.

With the health insurance bill, I was upset over the deletion of the Public Option mainly because there was no crack in the door left open to the left that could be slid open. Of course, now I'm of the mind that we'll revisit the issue in 20 or 30 years, and maybe then we'll add in a Public Option. Hopefully, it'll be revisited in 10 years.

But with this Social Security cut, this isn't laying down any foundation to build upon. It is capitulation. Worse, Social Security basically has nothing to do with the deficits being run up under the General Fund. Social Security doesn't have a place in the deficit debate, yet here it is being offered on the table. What are the Republicans going to promise in return for this concession? Their word that they won't blow up the dollar in the next debt ceiling crisis?

...usually leaves both sides feeling they gave up the most. As with the majority here I don't want to see SS touched...it has nothing to do with the defecit. I don't want to see Medicare touched as this is the lifeline for millions of middle and low income Americans. The rushpublicans are as steadfast against any type of tax hike...fearing Grover and the hate radio crowd...and, unfortunately, without 25 or so of their votes, no budget deal will get done. Now this is well and good for the "cliff" on January 1 but this leads to a fight over extending the debt ceiling that will lead to a government shut down and ultimately letting the rushpublicans stall not just this issue but every other important legislative goal...immigration reform and we'll be back to this mess with bigger cuts being pushed.

So...if you want a deal...and supposedly a majority of American do. You want rushpublicans to agree to raising taxes...want do you offer in exchange. Yes...negotiate...compromise...find a common ground. Where is it? If you're not willing to touch SS...then what? Yes...I know we cut defense to 0...but that's a non-starter...there's too much pork for both parties. So what gets cut? I'm curious if there are any creative solutions out there rather than playing the "my way or the highway" game. To get a deal, what are you willing to take the hit on?

...are you prepared if the government shuts down and you can't get an SS or other check? Or that millions will see their unemployment insurance lapse with no place to turn? Or medicare payments aren't made? These are a few of the "fun" things in store if some kind of deal isn't worked that raises the debt ceiling. Yes...this is a big deal...unless you're ready to take the political hit when people start wondering where their checks are or why services are shut down.

You think caving in to them will suddenly make them change their ways? THat's what's put us in the mess we're in. Christ, let's show a little courage fpr a change.

So why do it?

Stupid is as stupid does. Mean and flinty and also an announcement that all decent people are no longer represented in DC in any way, shape or form.

Even if some cut to social security were necessary to get a deal, it is foolish for the Democrats to take ownership of the cuts.
Cutting social security will be used against them. It is possible that the R's insisted on the President proposing the cuts, but not likely. Let the R's insist if it has to be done.