A brief speech that casts the Republican tactic as an assault on the American constitutional order, and hence the refusal to negotiate with the hostage-takers as part of the presidential oath to protect and defend the Constitution of the United States.

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"I've taken an oath to protect and defend the Constitution of the United States. When I say that I will not negotiate concessions in response to blackmailers' threats, I'm fulfilling that oath. I understand, as I regrettably did not in 2011, when I thought I was protecting the nation by making such concessions, that the constitutional order of the United States requires that I send the message loud and clear: government by hostage-taking --- saying to the nation, 'Meet our demands or we'll hurt America'-- cannot be tolerated. It cannot be rewarded.

"So I repeat now what I've been saying all year, and the hostage-takers should have no doubt that I mean what I say: I am not going to negotiate with people pointing a gun at our nation's well-being. Not on this shutdown. Not on the debt ceiling.

"That's not how government is supposed to work in the United States of America.

"The Constitution gave us elections and a normal legislative process to decide on the laws that govern us. I'm going to protect the Constitution against those who would sweep all that aside and replace it with blackmail."

Authors Bio:
Andy Schmookler, an award-winning author, political commentator, radio talk-show host, and teacher, was the Democratic nominee for Congress from Virginia's 6th District. His new book -- written to have an impact on the central political battle of our time -- is WHAT WE'RE UP AGAINST. His previous books include The Parable of the Tribes: The Problem of Power in Social Evolution, for which he was awarded the Erik H. Erikson prize by the International Society for Political Psychology.