Democrats took a big gamble: they chose not to raise or eliminate the debt ceiling when they had full control of government, betting that it could create a headache for the Republican-controlled House. Republicans, after repeatedly raising the debt ceiling without issue during the Trump administration, held global financial stability hostage to secure minor policy wins.Now, after flirting with disaster for weeks, the parties appear close to ending a crisis of their own making.This episode: political correspondent Kelsey Snell, congressional correspondent Deirdre Walsh, and national political correspondent Mara Liasson.The podcast is produced by Elena Moore and Casey Morell. Our editor is Eric McDaniel. Our executive producer is Muthoni Muturi. Unlock access to this and other bonus content by supporting The NPR Politics Podcast+. Sign up via Apple Podcasts or at plus.npr.org. Connect:Email the show at nprpolitics@npr.orgJoin the NPR Politics Podcast Facebook Group.Subscribe to the NPR Politics Newsletter.