The Hitchhiker’s Guide To How the Debt Deal Could Fall Apart

"Obama and Leaders Reach Debt Deal," hailed the New York Times."White House, Congressional leaders reach deal," said the Washington Post."Debt deal: Obama, Hill leaders break through," proclaimed Politico.
President Obama on one side of the table. Bipartisan Congressional leaders on the other.

But even though those sides conducted most of the negotiating, they represent a small percentage of the legislative apparatus that will be asked to approve this package in the next two days.

After weeks of talks, charade votes, heated barbs and exceptional brinksmanship, finishing the deal will come down to mathematics.

It's simple, really: 60 votes to clear a filibuster in the Senate and then 51 for final passage. And in the House, the magic number for this exercise is 216.

To start, let's look at the House where the legislative lift could prove most challenging.

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