If you think it's optically positive to keep playing chicken, wouldn't you want them to fold now and then run off the edge next year? If you do it next year, yo

If you think it's optically positive to keep playing chicken, wouldn't you want them to fold now and then run off the edge next year? If you do it next year, you're six months away from the election and it will be fresh in voters' minds. If you do it now, everyone will forget but will be vaguely aware that the Democrats played irresponsible games with the economy and remember none of the nuance.