If we go over the cliff and bad things happen Republicans get blamed.
If we go over the cliff and good things happen Obama gets credit.
If we pass an obama plan and things go well obama gets the credit.
If we go over the cliff and bad things happen the republicans get the blame.
That is the reality, so what prevents the republicans from doing what is best for the country.
The problem with that is the republicans would look bad and very petulant for doing this.
The only leverage Obama has are the middle class Bush cuts. So why not bite the bullet pass those and then if you do not come to the table we will not raise the debt ceiling. Take away their ammo and then see we compromised. That is the only way to make him own it so to speak.