Obama: Debt ceiling breach far worse than government shutdown, would effectively shutter economy
9/27/2013WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama says a failure to increase the government’s borrowing authority would effectively shutter the economy.
Obama told reporters at the White House today that would have a ‘profound destabilizing effect’ on the U.S. and global economies.
He accused Republicans of “political grandstanding” and said what they really care about is “appeasing the tea party.”
RELATED: Click here to see Obama's remarks in their entirety
The government faces two looming deadlines. One is a potential government shutdown Oct. 1 if Congress doesn’t approve a short-term spending bill. The other is a debt limit around Oct. 17 if Congress doesn’t increase the government’s borrowing authority.
Obama says failure to raise the debt ceiling would be far more dangerous than a government shutdown.
Obama has vowed not to negotiate on the debt ceiling.