Thanks for taking the time to read it. I think, politically, Republican's walking away with nothing isn't an option for them, much like changes to the ACA isn't a option for Obama. During the fiscal cliff, many Republicans felt a bit burned by the higher taxes and very little budget cuts, and they probably aren't going to be willing to accept a similar deal here. That doesn't mean Obama has to walk away empty handed either. I would hope that in exchange of significant budget cuts, the GOP leadership would accept some tax increases so both sides can at least say they didn't lose so Obama can say "look tax increases and the ACA is untouched". In reality though, I don't think much of anyone is going to win from this, in particular the American people.

But is it possible that Democrats current strategy of allowing the shutdown to hurt as much as possible will work? Sure, Republicans are already certainly feeling the pressure and it would be a better victory for Obama and Dems if they get Republicans to bend without giving any concessions. I just can't condone a strategy of intentionally causing pain to the American Public from Democrats any more than I could Republican's doing it when they decided to go ahead with the shutdown in the first place. I guess I'm a bit oldschool, where I think our government should be looking out for the best interest of the American people instead of using their pain and suffering as political capital to score a political victory.