As I understand it, the differences aren't even ideological any more. According to Nate Silver's article from the other day, http://fivethirtyeight.blogs.nytim

As I understand it, the differences aren't even ideological any more. According to Nate Silver's article from the other day, http://fivethirtyeight.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/07/27/its-all-over-but-the-face-saving/ http://fivethirtyeight.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/07/27/its-all-... the Boehner bill (which has been passed by the House and rejected by the Senate) and the Reid bill (which may or may not actually exist yet) are pretty much identical in all important ways. The main sticking point is whether to kick the can down the road 'til the middle of election season (which the Republicans want) or 'til slightly after the election is over (which the Democrats want). Both parties have high-minded-sounding justifications for why their preferred option is the right thing for the country, but... I'm trying not to pay too much attention to the whole charade at this point. I know how this movie ends, it's just that the two leads are still arguing over who gets to look like the hero in the final scene.