I am going to use a word tonight that I do not use lightly,

and I am not using it because it's my word.

I'm using it because it's Mitch McConnell's.

After the first time, Republicans use the payment

of our national debt as a bargaining chip

back in August of 2011.

Republicans, Senate leader Mitch McConnell,

told the Washington Post exactly how he saw

our nation's debt limit.

Quote, what we did learn is this.

It is a hostage that's worth ransoming, a hostage.

That is how Republicans view this,

and that is how we should too.

Here's what happened five days after McConnell's hostage

statement.

This was a dark day for the nation's finances

and for millions of Americans with a financial stake

in the markets, the very same Americans who are still

processing the fact that our country has lost its top credit

rating.

Here's the damage from today.

The Dow down over 634 points.

...