[Prokopton]

But seriously, now that the dems know all they have to do is threaten a government shutdown and Boehner will tear-up, and cave in. They are not going to allow cuts in anything, heck they might try to get an increase in Obamacare and Planned Parenthood funding, and why not? When you figure out what blackmail works, might as well increase the shakedown.

This is so true, and obvious, how come the Republican "leaders" can't see it.

I'm becoming more convinced we need Trump.

[benjibrowder]

I’m presuming that the moment Reid backs out of this deal, which I suspect he will, the Planned Parenthood cut goes back on the table. If we don’t get it this year (granted, I would love it if it did get through), we get it next year. The Dems will be much more unlikely to shut down the government, particularly those in vulnerable seats.

Dem senators in vulnerable states will be much less likely to vote the way they want to in regards to Planned Parenthood or a more thorough cut in the bill. 2012 being an election year has some advantages for us. Particularly as Dems are currently poised to lose the Senate. Furthermore, weak Republicans like Collins and Snowe may be forced to vote along party lines to appear to be R.

The real battle is the 2012 budget.