It’s not that complicated.. the math is the math. We should try to leave out any extraneous issues that keep us from getting a budget agreement. I know there are many Republicans who are exercised up about Planned Parenthood. And, I deeply disagree with them on that issue and I think it’s mischaracterized what Planned Parenthood does … but I understand they feel strongly about it. And, I respect that.
But, you can’t have an issue like that potentially wreck the entire U.S. economy. Anymore than I should hold the entire budget hostage to do something about gun violence. I feel just as strongly about that, and I think I have better evidence for it. But, the notion that I will threaten the Republicans … that unless they pass gun safety measures that would stop mass shootings … that I would shut down the government and not sign an increase in the debt ceiling … would be irresponsible of me … and the American people rightly would reject that. Well, the same is true for them. They want to defund Planned Parenthood … there’s a way to do it. Pass a law. Override my veto. That’s how democracy works. I have no problem with that. But, you have to govern … and I’m hoping the next speaker understands that.
