...in the USA with an agreement reached over the debt ceiling... and the USA can keep on spending its way into ruin.
The Republicans did not do themselves any good at all. They were right in trying to call a halt to the 'out of control' Federal spending splurge but their tactics and methods were simply wrong. In trying to get the right result they did themselves massive damage.
The Democrats tactics, in contrast to the Republicans, were very clever. The Republicans allowed the Democrats to paint them as extremists and as intractable. The Democrats racked up the stakes with their friends in the media with tales of an economic Armageddon arising if the Republicans did not back down. The American public fell hook, line and sinker for this line as reflected in the polls. To be fair some 'respectable' institutions also added to the fear factor for their own purposes.; This was, of course, nonsense. Hitting the deadline without an agreement would not have been a disaster and if, like me, you are involved in watching the various markets in bonds and equities, the reality was reflected in the calm way the markets were behaving right up until yesterday.
There was an opportunity for the Republicans to appear statesmanlike and to milk the situation for political gain and a win at the next Presidential elections - but they failed the test. The Democrats have now an undeserved political advantage.
The leadership of the Republicans was inept and is now in a crisis of their own.
The American people deserve better than this. Better leadership by the Opposition to Obama and a more responsible economic policy from Obama.
The result is merely to delay another political crisis and, eventually, another economic crisis.