This was a crazy day, I will have to admit that it was fun though. I like these type of moves. Extreme volatility is a sign of a market top or bottom. I think we will still get another move up before it goes into full bear mode and drops for about 6 months or so.
I would think the politicians have enough time to raise the debt ceiling and sweep it under the rug by the next election. That's just my opinion though. I don't have a real high opinion of politicians and generally think the worst case scenario.