They wondered "If this all goes to hell will our mouthpieces in the MSM be able to successfully lay it on the Republicans and deflect from us? Yes? No problems then."
That said; while perception is reality; Rand Paul offered today that the Military is, not 'really' being cut; that increases 'slowing down' over ten-years. He said it is not a bad as it sounds. But therein may lie the point; in any event. No one challenged Rand on this analysis; but this could explain why Repubs 'went there'. .. still stupidly so.
Better they had it in writing that Obama and Michelle would pay for all their vacations; beyond 'one'; and put a budget on that one. And get the over-the-top perks for Congress - out of there. . .After all; appearances do matter. And no one works appearances to their advantage; better than Obama and the Demrats themselves.