Reply #6: they wanted a balanced budget amendment-

[Bluerthanblue]

they wanted to make massive cuts to 'entitlements'. are two things I can think of right off the bat. As much as they said they always intended to increase the "debt limit" I personally think they were prepared to tank the economy to destroy this administration.
They didn't get anywhere near the spending cuts that they had wanted. They also have to deal with cuts to the beloved 'defense' budget-

How did it hurt them? They can't pretend that "they" really care about the most vulnerable anymore- or that they don't have responsibility for the way things are in this country. The polls have expressed deep anger at both houses of congress, despite the media's focus on the Democrats.

Their 'base' is pretty pissed- look at what they're pissed about, that should tell what they feel was 'given up'.