On most weekday mornings, House Republicans huddle in a windowless room in the Capitol basement. Over pastries and coffee, they confer with the leadership and discuss strategy. Sometimes they complain; sometimes they cheer. This past week, it's been more of the former. As the tensions grow, the GOP's internal debate can seem like a circus — the tea party vs. establishment. But behind the scenes, the arguments are more nuanced than some Democrats presume:
1. House Republicans want to default.
When they're on the cable news shows, House Republicans can sound aggressive and unyielding about the upcoming debt limit; they won't extend the federal government's borrowing limit, they often say, unless Democrats make major concessions.