in mirrors. with both parties in stand off, mcconnell is proposing a back-up plan to avoid a default. it gives the president authority to raise the debt limit in three installments without agreeing to spending cuts up front. president obama would have to submit proposals with each cut to raise the debt ceiling. the senator says -- the sentiment on fox news last night. >> mitch, i think, pointed out this was his idea, if we can't get there, none of us believe we ought to default on the full faith and credit of the united states government. i think that idea and there are other ideas in terms of back-up plans in case we can't come to an agreement. >> doesn't that undercut you?