S&P director cited talk by some politicians expressing "skepticism about seriousness of downgrade"

[Bill USA]

.. as being a factor in the downgrade of U.S. debt.



http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/plum-line/post/standard-and-poors-punctures-michele-bachmanns-blissful-fantasy/2011/03/03/gIQAl37TBJ_blog.html">Standard and Poors punctures Michele Bachmann’s blissful fantasy

A Standard & Poor’s director said for the first time Thursday that one reason the United States lost its triple-A credit rating was that several lawmakers expressed skepticism about the serious consequences of a credit default — a position put forth by some Republicans.

Without specifically mentioning Republicans, S&P senior director Joydeep Mukherji said the stability and effectiveness of American political institutions were undermined by the fact that “people in the political arena were even talking about a potential default,” Mukherji said.

“That a country even has such voices, albeit a minority, is something notable,” he added. “This kind of rhetoric is not common amongst AAA sovereigns.”

Yes, it was the Tea Party downgrade. (although, I don't think it's appropriate for S&P to start including handicapping of political maneuvers in what is supposed to be strictly an estimation of a nation's financial strength).

[Eddie Haskell]

1. I'm sorry, but why is a rating agency playing politics?

I agree with the rating, but the way they did it stinks.

[Bill USA]

2. I'm sorry but why do you think S&P is "playing politics" which I take to mean trying to affect an

outcome in the political arena?