It's understandable that progressives are upset but given that the Republicans had on suicide vests

a little more understanding for the situation might need to exist. It wasn't just your regular government shutdown, this had global implications.

Extending the Bush tax cuts because the unemployed were being held hostage and this situation.

I don't think as many people would be AS upset.

I get that he has the most difficult job in the world; I get that we don't ever know the full story; I get that he can't do everything himself.

I get that he is a centrist and not really a progressive; we knew that from the start if we were paying attention.

What I don't get is how he appears to begin his compromises with exactly what the Republicans want. He doesn't even seem to feign having an interest in promoting what most Democrats want....all in the name of compromise.

That's not compromise.

I think it's safe to say most Democrats -- most Americans -- did NOT want a deal which puts Medicare, SS, Medicaid on the table, WITHOUT revenue in the form of tax hikes on the wealthiest, closing corporate loopholes, etc. He could have at least acted like he fought like hell, but instead he appears pleased.

Makes me very, very sad. :(

There is an election in November 2012. People will remember how the Republicans held the country hostage. Things can be modified later on.

But sadly many here will not listen to what you just said, they really don't know the whole picture yet, but they are ready to trash the president, and the trolls are jumping in big time to encourage those who are not happy to "dump" the president, it's all over, the end is here, on so on!

No matter what we don't like about this bill, and I will admit there is plenty, it's better than watching not only this country, but the world melt down, the perfect scenario for the tea party morons that took us to this dangerous place!

The only good thing is that now america really knows what the tea party is all about, and I think the vast majority of them are going to be look for a job after next years election!

I thought they were just partisan Republicans. I didn't think they were capable of this.

pay for it.

happened since the repeal of the Glass Steagall Act in 1999? Are you aware of the Trillionssss that were given to foreign investors for the scam derivatives that they bought? This is OK with you? The fact is it's inevitable for this system to crash sooner or later. That also goes for foreign countries because they have the same system.

should have the chance to meet their full potential no matter their situation in life.

The mask is off -- it's over --

to get them out of power - the election process.

.. only a WEAK PRESIDENT would ever even have to negotiate a debt ceiling raise,every time it has been done before without sellout deals.

Obama is a fucking joke of a president.

threatens the hostages, you send the tactical team in.

Don't worry, some serious damage has already been done, and I hope you enjoy the coming economic malaise. Oh and it will be of global implications too.

31 year of throwing ordinary Americans under the bus, and making the mega-rich and corpotations ever richer.

I don't think I have to have one iota of understanding in this. Not one. I have ZERO optimism at this moment.

....primary all DINOS, buy some Progressive 'suicide vests', and wield some disproportionate power of our own?....with 'global implications'....

....if the fascists can shut-down the government with unyielding demands for tax breaks for the slimy rich, then it's our obligation to shut-down the government until we get Medicare for all....

No, I'm not talking literally. It wouldn't have been that difficult to ally the sensible republicans against the tea party, and leave 'em swinging in the wind. This wouldn't have produced the desired bill, but a more liberal one.