downgrade the nation s credit even if a deal is reached. even if a deal is reached. it s a aaa, nearly as good as cash or gold and has been almost from the begin. losing that status would raise interest rates for all of us, make mortgages cost more, stifle the economy, possibly trigger a run on the dollar. tonight, president obama restated his desire for a deal that includes tax increases on wealthier americans as well as spending cuts. he cited statistics appealing to bipartisanship and invoked the words of ronald reagan and also acknowledged how sharply divided washington is while trying to channel a bipartisan frustration among americans for what goes on in washington. take a look. i realize that a lot of the new members of congress and i don t see eye to eye on many issues. but we were each elected by some of the same americans for some of the we were each elected by some of the same americans for the same reasons. yes, many want government to start living within its