[EBH]

but lawmakers struggled to understand the agency’s views.

The republicans and tea party understood...the democrats so very obviously didn't.

Now the other line about the politics of the matter...the S&P correctly identifies the “The gulf between the political parties,” as the reason for the default. The political party in the majority, wielding control, is not the party that understands what must be done. It is the lawmakers who struggled to understand that are in charge. And like petulant pre-teens they don't understand the words, No mo' money.

[SkyPilot]

but lawmakers struggled to understand the agency’s views.

You picked up on that too? Good for you. So did I.

It jumps from the page of the NY Slimes article, and immediately comes across as disingenuous garbage and evil "spin."

The Democrats knew exactly what the ratings agencies were saying. So did the NY Slimes.

Now that the blood is on the floor, the Democrats are running for cover. Our ship is aground, and the Democrat-manned crew took to the life boats before the passengers could even get off.