I'm thinking of the "Shutdown" episode of "The West Wing."

One of the few really good episodes after Aaron Sorkin left, from the early fifth season: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shutdown_(The_West_Wing)

President Bartlet and Speaker Hafley were at the negotiating table, ready to sign off on another continuing resolution, when the Republican suddenly demands a 3% cut instead of the 1% that had been agreed upon. Bartlet didn't blink and the government was shut down.

After enough bullshit caused by the shutdown, the President actually walked over to the Capitol to meet with the Speaker in his office. The Speaker left the President waiting outside while trying to think up what other concessions he could force the President to take. By the time the Speaker was willing to meet, the President had gotten tired of waiting and left.

Just as in the TV episode, the Republicans are proving they aren't serious about negotiating. They don't want to actually discuss and debate. And the American public is starting to see that.

So now the President can be justified in telling the Speaker to shove the "reforms" and "spending cuts" up his ass. They aren't serious about any of this, so it's time for the grownups to start governing the best they can.

canceled mid-season in the third year. We've had it with a President who's so blind to the terrible symbolism of offering to cut Social Security that he shows enthusiasm about trading it away in order to get a continuing resolution passed. This isn't just a 1 percent cut in discretionary spending, or even the 3 percent demanded by the Speaker, as in that wonderful TV drama.

What does the cable company charge to make that parallel universe our own?

:thumbsdown:

It would be like JFK threatening to nuke NY if the Russians invade West Berlin. Not good symbolism. Not good tactics.

with a LOT of pain involved.

I continually watch West Wing reruns, and continually find 'plus ca change,' nothing new under the sun.