Judd Gregg: “If you lead with policy, you are dead here.”

Your careers may end happily before the reckoning. Your reelections may not be threatened by your inaction. But your consciences should be.

In Hillary's case, it's a big issue, because of her -- because of the challenges that she has on the ethical side. In Trump's case, it's a big issue, because he's so erratic.

To those still in denial, or even advocating steps that would make our debts even higher, please reconsider.

If our goal is to reach a deal, we should not get engaged in this fight.