>> oh, financial disaster. apparently this is not a game. timothy geithner says that we will hit the debt limit between mid february and early march. the financial security of millions of americans is at stake. >> if congressional republicans refuse to pay america's bills on time, social security checks and veterans benefits will be delayed. we might not be able to pay our troops or honor or contracts. food inspectors, air traffic controllers, specialists wouldn't get paychecks. investors around the world will ask the united states of america is in fact a safe bet. every homeowner, every small business owner who wants to grow and hire. it would be a self-inflicted wound on the economy. it would slow down our growth. it might tip us into recession. and ironically, would probably increase our deficit. so to even entertain the idea of this happening, of the united states of america not paying its bills is irresponsible. it's absurd. >> if the country defaults on