so during the debt debate he figured, on the 50/50 chance we'd still get downgraded, we would...why is this so like....special? yes it is a huge amount, but as mentioned it was, on paper, a 50/50 crapshoot.
Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner said Tuesday there is "no risk" the U.S. will lose its top credit rating amid a new analysis that revised its outlook on American debt to "negative." (link)
United States loses prized AAA credit rating from S&P (link)