Boehner’s got only three choices left, each worse than the last.

- First choice is to crawl back to the White House and try to work a deal that can garner Dem support in the House. Basically picture that point in any episode of Deal or No Deal where the last big number has been taken off the board and the offer crashes through the floor. Boehner will likely help avoid major economic disaster, but he can kiss his speakership goodbye.

- Second choice is to put up the Senate bill extending all tax cuts up to $250K, which has solid Dem support, again leaving him trying to pull together Republican votes. He’ll save some face, but the sequester and all the related bad juju will still crash down on our heads Jan 1st.

- Third choice is just to throw caution to the wind, let us go sailing over the cliff, and then hope he can somehow save his speakership. Economic catastrophe, assurance that White House will not be willing to negotiate, but he might possibly remain in his seat.