Oh, and to not give too much away, my own predictions for the rest of the "political crisis" in the US:
1. The Republicans will cave (as usual)
2. Any short-term turmoil will be swamped by the reality of perpetual deficits and an ever-more intrusive state in the long-run
3. Any problems that come from this ever-intrusive state will be blamed on the market. And Republicans. But not for caving.
4. Actually, it's all the fault of the Republicans. Thank you, media!
I guess the key takeaway is EVERYBODY PANIC! (just kidding. For the short-term, anyway).