Theater.

Democrats- We must increase spending to 10 or our democracy is doomed!
Republicans- We must cut spending by 10 or the republic will crumble!

11th hour 'compromise"- increase spending to 8.

Democrat in November- Vote for me. We wanted to spend more but the evil Republicans are trying to kill grandma.
Republican in November- Vote for me! We saved your grandchildren trillions!

Debt goes up, life goes on.