extenders for research and development credits for business, depreciation write-off for the company new purchases and the payroll tax cut part of the president's stimulus package. >> republicans held the line against raising taxes. they see that as a big advantage for them next year. and democrats held the line on issue of fairness and equity, which they believe is a big issue for them. essentially the issues that torpedoed the super committee will be the very heart of the 2012 election. voters get to make the deciding call. >> with both houses of congress only likely to work another two weeks this year, lawmakers will also face pressure to renew expiring benefits for the unemployed. over that and any other pending items looms the super committee defining committee; namely, how will it all be paid for? >> bret: a big question, james. thank you. senior political analyst brit hume is here with thoughts on why the super committee was a super bust. good evening.