The debt is what we already owe, not what we promise to spend. The terms pelosi misunderstands intend to direct the government that it must repay its borrowed money. That is the plan. With no increase in the borrowing limit, the US will easily be able to make its Social Security payments and scheduled interest payments on the debt from continuing tax receipts. We will not default, because we will be repaying out debts. The walk around money for Obama voters- that might be a problem.
Maybe her problem is not her understanding, but her intent to obfuscate.