Debt Ceiling "Debate" Yet Another Example of Partisan Intransigence at Americans Expense

Dear President Obama,

It would be easier and quicker to support structural political reforms like open primaries that include all voters, nonpartisan independent redistricting, citizen initiative and referendum, etc. than to bring the parties together. Let's face it, they ARE together in their intransigence and their ignoring voters.

• Michael Bloomberg calls for debt deal (By JENNIFER EPSTEIN, Politico) Hoping to calm the partisan bickering, New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg on Tuesday hit Democrats and Republicans alike for their inability to reach a deal to raise the debt ceiling.
• U.S. default would slam financial system: NYC mayor Bloomberg (Reuters) Bloomberg, mentioned among possible successors toTreasury Secretary Timothy Geithner, said the federal government must avoid damaging the nation's economy and its credibility around the world with a first-ever U.S. default.
• Obama on debt ceiling: Is he winning over Americans? (By Linda Feldmann, Christian Science Monitor) Among independent voters, the numbers are also encouraging for Mr. Obama’s position. In May, 34 percent were more concerned about default than about the potential consequences of raising the debt ceiling. In July, that number is up 11 points to 45 percent. Obama won a majority of independents in 2008, and he’s fighting to win them back in time for the 2012 election.
• Does The Deficit Impasse Look Insoluble? (NPR/All Things Considered ) SIEGEL: As you've said, President Obama has his eye on independent voters. Speaker Boehner has his eye on the conservative Republican base. Is it possible to tell who is actually winning politically so far in this? LIASSON: I think everybody is losing.
• Why Obama Wants a Big Deal (By GERALD F. SEIB, Wall Street Journal) But for a president eager to win back independent swing voters, deficit cutting is a net plus. It's worth noting that the biggest influences on the president as he navigates this issue are Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner and White House political adviser David Plouffe, both of whom are convinced, for different reasons, of the virtues of deficit cutting.