Debt deal or not, Washington is on the road to making budget cuts that will slow the economy, increase unemployment and impose additional hardship on millions of Americans, writes Robert Reich.
debt ceiling

On the origins of the debt-ceiling crisis
Stephen Squibb examines how the GOP successfully recast retirement and healthcare savings as “entitlements,” refused tax increases and now finds itself perched on the edge of its greatest victory.

Eric Cantor walks a fine line
Need to Know interviews political reporter Jeff Schapiro about Republican Congressman Eric Cantor, who has emerged as a leading opponent of the White Houses attempt to broker a deal on the debt ceiling.

Richard Brookhiser on divisions within the Republican party
Need to Know turns to historian and senior editor at the National Review, Richard Brookhiser, for a broader perspective on the recent political machinations in Washington, and the age-old discussion over the size of government.