there will be no default. last time geithner told us that the treasury could make payments using creative means for a few months. additionally the the Fed will not let a default happen. their central bank franchise and charter is far too valuable and powerful. they will honor all demands for payment. hell many of the demands for payments on bonds will be from their best customers.
Odumbo wants to spend/run up deficits without limits or accountability... and you believe it's the Tea Party who is the villain here? You're right... I don't care for your or any other Commie's opinion.
All this media hype about a default is misinformation intended to scare the masses into pressuring their congressmen into ending the stalemate. The government has sufficient income to service the national debt even without a debt ceiling increase. Hence default, anytime soon anyway, isn't much of an issue. Now without a debt ceiling increase, or massive money printing, congress will be forced to balance the budget. That will deepen the recession if only because the federal government is something like 20% of the economy.
The price action on the 10 year futures suggest an upward move in prices soon. I think the smart money is pricing in the effect of a default NOT occurring.