Barack Obama actually said...

Right now Congress should do what's in the best interests of the economy and the American people.

The tea party is just the latest expression of probably some very real fears and anxieties on the part of certain Americans.

There's only one way out of this reckless and damaging shutdown: pass a budget that funds our Government with no partisan strings attached.

Each member of Congress has their conscience, they're supposed to represent their constituents back home.