To an outsider the whole thing seems a bit mental. Although I suppose in the UK system, a parliamentary majority by the opposition would vote for a dissolution of parliament and a general election, rather than just shutting down the country. In some respects an election now in the US might well solve the issue. The electorate can give their opinion and the elected officials would be oblidged to go along with it.

Are there any opinion polls on what's going on? What's the general opinion? Does it just fracure on usual party lines, or are people annoyed with one side or the other more?