Might the United States Government default on any of its debt?

FORBES: Why The Obama Administration Is Wrong About The Credit Downgrade

So the President remains confident that action will be taken, that the debt ceiling will be raised, that the United States will not default on its obligations.

WHITEHOUSE: Press Briefing

But we have to raise the debt ceiling, because the United States is the United States and it does not default on its obligations.

WHITEHOUSE: Press Briefing

The measure, as you know, that Senator McConnell has proposed would essentially turn authority for raising the debt ceiling -- for being the responsible party and not allowing the United States to default on its obligation -- over to the United States -- the President of the United States rather than the United States Congress, which has traditionally held that responsibility.

WHITEHOUSE: Press Briefing

So we remain very focused on the fact that we must make this vote and we must raise the debt ceiling because we cannot, as the United States of America, fail to fulfill our obligations, default on our obligations.

WHITEHOUSE: Press Briefing