Op-ed views and opinions expressed are solely those of the author.
The Joe Biden regime has maintained support with lies, suppression of truth, and demonization of enemies. The regime wants a government shutdown to blame “MAGA” Republicans and characterize them as extremists. As legitimate investigations into corruption are circling the White House, the response continues to be name-calling, while regime media provide cover.
A meeting between Biden and congressional leadership on May 9 will highlight the debt ceiling. Representative James Comer (R-KY) will lead a press conference on May 10 regarding the Biden family’s business dealings. Rational examination of the issues in either case by regime supporters, or even compromise with the enemy, would threaten the regime’s hold on power.
The regime survives because its followers fear supposed evil Republicans and dismiss evidence of regime duplicity as partisan politics. Continuity of this demonization rules out compromise. A Biden compromise with House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) would validate at least some Republican positions.
Biden said Republicans are “pretty well divided” and dominated by the MAGA faction, which is willing to accept a debt default unless Biden agrees to its demands. Republicans hold 222 seats in the House and Democrats 213. The “Limit, Save, Grow Act of 2023” passed by 217–213. A vote of 217 of 222 Republicans shows unity, not division. Either extremists do not control House Republicans or the entire caucus is extreme.
Biden claims that without a higher debt ceiling there will be a default. He also claims Republicans are demanding draconian cuts as a condition to lift the debt ceiling.
Both assertions are false. Twenty-one government shutdowns since 1976 have not triggered any debt defaults. By law, most government agencies must furlough their nonessential personnel and stop or limit their activities. Only about 12 percent of federal spending is needed to service the debt.
