Mr. President … You tried

You offered a sweetheart deal to the other side … and they turned it down.  Further attempts at appeasement  are pointless.

So -- short & sweet.  You say:  You want cuts?  Here are some cuts.  Starting with corporate welfare.   Say:  

(1) I will veto any budget bill that does not end the ethanol subsidies, now.

But what happens to the debt ceiling if the Republicans continue to stall?  You say:

(2)  As President, I am responsible for guaranteeing the full faith and credit of this country.  I do so guarantee it.  Promises will be met, debts will be paid -- regardless.

For:  The Republicans recently offered the President what they hoped was a poisoned chalice, letting him unilaterally raise the ceiling and take the heat.   Well, by now he’s fed up and not afraid of heat.   Say:  Yes, excellent suggestion.  Our legal counsel has looked into the matter, and have ruled that is constitutionally permitted or even required.  As a professor of constitutional law, I agree.  Let it be done.

Then the Tea Party types can squabble all they like.

*

This should be done because it’s the right thing to do.  But it might prove more popular than would appear at first glance.

Re (1):  This morning, the Boston Globe featured some stupid hoopla about NASCAR and ethanol.   But check out the readers’ comments -- no-one is fooled. 

Re (2):  There’s frustration (building to fear) because Congress is flailing.   Decisive action by a President who is obviously not given to rash actions, could give everyone a boost in confidence.