The point is use intelligent tactics to achieve political objective. The debt ceiling is the wrong battle in attempting to constrain spending and regain political power. There are other vehicles much more friendly to the Republican cause. First is sequestration, second is the continuing resolution. Many true conservatives don't recognize that some means are more likely to achieve the desired ends than others. You seem to be among those.

It would force huge spending reductions but Obama would decide what's cut and what's paid. He would maximize citizens' pain and blame Republicans.

The Dems are correct in stating that the debt ceiling needs to be increased to cover spending Congress has already authorized. So, Republicans need to attack the spending authorizations -- appropriations. Before the continuing resolution (an abomination in itself) expires, the House needs to pass several smaller continuing resolutions or appropriations bills, each covering a portion of the government. That gives Republicans much more control over how much is spent on what. It also makes it clear who is irresponsible, the Senate.

Many true-blue conservatives with really good ideological views have no concept of political strategy. Ideology is important, but it does no good if you can't make those views popular among the electorate. Being right is not enough; we must also be convincing to the majority of the electorate. Democrats have been very good at that for while now, partly because they don't hesitate to lie. The press supports most of their lies without question, creating another hurdle for conservatives. In that context, Republicans should pass a clean debt ceiling increase. It doesn't have to be as big as Obama wants, but it must be clean.

This is just theater. Christie knows the aid will be forthcoming. But let's hope all the pork is stripped out.

In the late '70s, I was associated with the school lunch program. There was a big push to make the lunches more "nutritious", with more vegetables. Everywhere it was tried, it failed. Finally, they decided that pizza and burgers weren't so bad, especially since the kids actually ate them. Here we go again!

You are correct, but bear in mind that we have had Obama's policies for almost 4 years now and easy money longer than that. Seems like it's about time to pay the piper.

A recession seems likely no matter what. The main objective should be to make sure Obama and the Dems get the proper credit. Only then will the Republicans be able to regain power and try to clean up the mess. You can't fix things if you have no power, and right now, the Republicans have very little power to move; they can only obstruct. Voting "present" is a good strategy. All along the way, even before the vote, Republicans should be pointing out the folly of the Dems' proposals, but explaining that they do not have the power to enact better ones and have decided to give the Democrats enough rope to hang themselves. Actually, with the Republican groundwork properly laid, some Dems may have second thoughts about their stupid policies.

Romney doesn't propose to raise taxes on the middle class; he proposes to lower them. Don't you understand that Obama and Biden lie?

Only Obama says that. Romney says his plan is revenue neutral overall. Middle class will pay less, high earners more. Rates will go down for everyone, deductions will go down for high earners. Stop listening to Democrat talking points and check things for yourself.