Republicans Force New Delay in US Debt Issue

Fox News (with contributions from Chad Pergram):

Even if it passes, the Boehner bill is certain to be killed in the Democratic-controlled Senate but could still feature in any possible compromise. Boehner’s difficulties in securing votes weakens his bargaining position, Democrats said.

This is why I don’t understand what Boehner is doing. He got a fair amount of support with Cut, Cap and Balance. Even some democrats voted for it. Only nine Republicans voted against that. If he cut the debt ceiling increase out of that bill entirely, he would get those nine Republicans on board.

Sure it wouldn’t pass the Senate, but neither will the current bill. The difference is if he got all the Republicans on board, the ball would be in the opponent’s court. They would be forced to act. Instead everyone’s looking at the Republicans bicker with each other.