Here's my prediction on what Boehner will do...

[brooklynite]

He knows that if the Debt Limit hits, the damage will be incalculable, and he'll be blamed in large part, politically and historically.

He also knows that his Tea Party fringe is irrational and won't be willing to go along with a clean vote on raising the debt limit.

He knows that his moderates will be angry that they were dragged into voting for a clean increase after weeks of posturing, that that their political futures may be at risk if they go along, and thus that HIS job as Speaker may be at risk.

And, he knows that arguing about ACA has become a loser for the Republicans (people signing up, polling showing they don't want it defunded, etc.), and that Obama and the Democrats won't budge on the issue.

So, he'll announce that, to protect the economy, an open Debt Limit vote will be held (which will be passed by Democrats and Safe Republicans). HOWEVER, the need to raise the Debt Limit comes from irresponsible Federal spending (blaming Democrats for good measure). Therefore, he will NOT include a clean vote on the CR, and will insist that an appropriations vote to end the Govt shutdown will not come until there's agreement on major new spending cuts, giving him and his Caucus the concession from the White House they feel they need.

Thus, the shutdown will continue until new pressure is exerted.

You heard it here first.

[Xipe Totec]

1. Even by the Hastert Rule, he only needs the majority of the majority

And he has that even without the support of a single teabagger.

So what's the holdup?

[brooklynite]

2. Based on what?

Under the Hastert Rule, he'd need 110 Republican supporting a clean bill. I haven't seen a number that high mentioned, certainly not with names attached.

[Xipe Totec]

5. They are blaming 30 teabaggers for the stalemate

That leaves 200 Republicans off the hook.

Otherwise, it's the Republican party in its entirety who are to blame.

[brooklynite]

9. No it doesn't...

...There are about 100 Republicans who want the CR vote...as long as someone else votes for it. Because if THEY vote for it, they're likely to get primaried.

[Xipe Totec]

10. So it's not JUST the Teabaggers. I think we are in agreement. nt

[FarPoint]

4. That's the key.....

He has the votes.....What is the reason for the delay? We know it's going to smell. Is it so simple that they just want to gain momentum with the dog and pony show or is there a bigger, slime gain behind the rhetoric?

[BlueToTheBone]

7. Hastert now says there was no such thing

and so that means Call the Vote!

[zipplewrath]

3. You're seeing some of that already

The GOP is already moving the discussion away from ACA towards the debt/deficit in general. They can avoid the debt fight, and keep up the CR fight much longer. The problem I see is that in the end there is no "exit strategy" for the GOP. The best we can hope for is that some movement occurs within the House to force a vote over the Speaker's objection (even if it actually has his support) which allows the democrats and some republicans to vote for a CR.

[KharmaTrain]

6. Boner's Options: Slim & None...

...you're right that he will probably do an open floor vote (blow off the Hastert rule) to avoid a default, however there will be a lot of pain and noise beforehand.

Remember, hate radio and faux noise are saying what's going on is a "victory". They've not only reduced government, they've stopped it. Rational people...the majority...know this is stupidity to the extreme, but this is a game being played in a bubble that Boner is fearful to break. He knows he'll have to if this "crisis" is to end, but he'll try to weasel as long as he can to avoi the inevitable.

The shutdown is going to really bite next week when checks don't go out and the ripple of lack of services start hitting Roast Beef, Indiana and Noteeth, Alabama. The pressure will come from all sides on Boner and he's too weak to do a thing. He can't work a deal and President Obama and Senator Reid know it. They're gonna let him twist (deservedly so)...

[LiberalArkie]

11. From what I am hearing it is the Democrats fault because they will not cut spending.

The conservatives here are saying that if the US goes into default, it is Obama's fault since he will not bargain with them in good faith.

[Coyotl]

8. There is only one holdup at this point, John Boehner. Place the blame where it belongs.

Even though a majority in the House would vote for a clean bill, this man ALONE is obstructing democratic governance.

[kydo]

12. sadly I think this is what I think he will do

then vote on silly mini bills then repeat lather and rinse until he is sick and tired of being sick and tired and either he will take that first step and admit what he is or his liver gives out.. just my -2cents

[Hugin]

13. Pure speculation on my part, but, a Dem response to such a chain would be..

To claim that a vote on raising the debt ceiling would be pointless if they don't know what the budget is going to be and continue to demand either a clean CR or a BUDGET for 2014 ( since we haven't had one since 2011)