him. we know exactly where they stand. they would rather put politics ahead of the economy. >> r.t. ryback, always a pleasure. thanks so much. now let's turn to msnbc political analyst, richard wolffe. richard, good to have you on with us tonight. another vulnerable senate republican went after house republicans today. nevada republican dean hellor said "there is no reason to hold up the short-term extension while a more comprehensive deal is being worked out. what is playing out in washington, d.c., this week is about political leverage, not about what's good for the american people." this is the divide that many of the democrats have been waiting for. what do you think? >> right. well, what's also holding it up is a full blown leadership crisis among the republican house leaders here. what we're seeing tonight, the breaking news is that what started out as a routine meeting where john boehner was going to reconvene with his members has dragged on for almost two hours. nbc's luke russert is saying that's because people are -- everyone's getting their say there tonight.