The GOP is giving Obama the proverbial noose to hang himself with.  I don't think it's a case of cleverness on the Republican's part.  It's more like self-interest.  Both parties are guilty of drinking in the debt punch bowl.

http://www.zerohedge.com/news/gop-finally-discovers-obamas-achilles-heel-just-let-him-do-what-he-does-and-encourage-it