I don’t mind any vanity with the word “Obastard” in it ;-)
But I believe you’re over-thinking it. He’s not going to do anything regarding default, although without a doubt Ms. Jarret aka the Lady behind the Curtain, is guiding his actions through this. And those actions are predicated on the theory (and polling) that shows they can make this shutdown as miserable as possible and the low-information People will blame the Republicans.
If the tables were turned, I’d like to think “we” would act differently. But, it’s politics...
I took a bit of a risk there, but I figured since this isn't Saturday morning....
;^)