Official Washington and the political class composed of both parties absolutely does not believe this. Their attitude is a combination of the US is ‘to big to default’, “we are the indispensable nation so no one is going to really press the matter that our currency and debt are worthless’, ‘we are smart enough to scheme our way out of anything’, ‘as long as we can create money out of debt and create credit from both there is nothing to fear’ and ‘go to hell you peasants we are smarter than you and know best’. Unfortunately as in 2008 things can happen faster than the Wizards of Smart in DC can react.
You nailed it!