Outside the Beltway

Another round of economic statistics raises questions about the health of the economy.

Did the debt ceiling debate reveal dysfunctional government?

Now that America’s political leadership have probably averted a self-inflicted global economic calamity, it’s time to assess the winners and losers.

We have a deal in Washington. Now, the leadership just has to make sure it can pass Congress.

Much like bills named for dead children, there’s a very high likelihood that any bill with “protecting children” and/or “pornographers” in the title is a) a very bad idea, b) a very stupid idea, c) of dubious Constitutionality, or, as here, d) all of the above.

President Obama and Congressional Republicans have the outline of a deal to raise the debt limit past the 2012 elections.

Congress failing to raise the debt ceiling would involve abrogating an enormous amount of power to the Executive.

The Senate killed the Boehner Plan but the debt ceiling crisis is still unresolved and the way out is murky.

How the reelection incentive and parliamentary procedure are affecting the debt ceiling debate in Congress.

It’s another Friday of drama in the debt ceiling crisis.

By insisting on perfection in the debt ceiling debate, the Tea Party has made itself irrelevant to the process.

The constitutional purists in the Tea Party apparently do not understand either bicameralism nor separation of powers.

John Boehner’s debt ceiling plan is being amended. And not in a good way.

Charles Krauthammer claims we are in the midst of a great debate. I am not so sure.

And you thought the bad economic news was over.

The failure of House Republicans to pass a bill that would have been dead on arrival in the Senate, anyway, raises questions about whether a deal is possible and whether John Boehner can lead his own coalition.

He doesn’t do a very good job.

The rational thing to do is the make a deal that cuts spending and raises the debt ceiling. But how do we get there from here?

Economic figures released today demonstrate clearly why the irresponsible talk surrounding the debt ceiling must end.

It is always useful to go inside the numbers.

The main problem remains the House.

I no longer have any confidence that our leaders will act responsibly before the August 2nd debt ceiling deadline.

Christine Lagarde believes the impact could be large and global.

Barack Obama’s biggest enemy in the debt negotiations has been himself.