Weighing the US Government shutdown on France24

"This is largely posturing to set the stage for the 2014 mid-term elections, and what we're seeing is a division within the Republican ranks when it comes to attitudes toward the shutdown. The more conservatives members sure of their reelection are happy to take the risk, but the GOP leadership is much more cautious, fearing the loss of some competitive seats and thus control of the House.[full transcript forthcoming]"