observed that Boehner's threat to act alone may show that he is willing to let the country default on its debts.

"What Boehner is describing is a path that makes his caucus happy," Benen wrote. "Boehner's comments this morning -- 'I and my Republican colleagues are prepared to move on our own' -- sounded a lot like a House leader who's not even interested in finding a solution at all. His goal is likely to avoid blame, not to resolve the problem."

"In other words, Boehner sees the car headed for the cliff, and appears ready to put a brick on the accelerator," he concluded.