Don't Negotiate with Terrorists

There was a lot of talk yesterday about how this House vote not to extend the debt ceiling was some kind of tricky coup for the Republicans, and sure enough a whole bunch of Democrats voted that way, proving once again that playing hardball is not the Democrats forte. Look, if you think raising the debt limit is the best thing for the American economy -- which the Democrats contend in nearly every public statement -- then by all means vote that way. Instead, the measure was defeated 318-to-97. All 236 Republicans voted against the increase - joined by 82 Democrats. 97 Democrats voted yes for a debt limit increase, while 7 Democrats voted present.

My Congresswoman, Lois Capps, stood firm on her principles, rejected the Republican "shoot-the-hostage" legislation and voted against the bill.