The Ryan plan does not immediately eliminate the deficit. It follows that it allows the federal debt to increase, and it follows further that it will require an increase in the debt limit. That’s the point Democrats are making today. Which is a perfectly fine response to Republicans who both support the Ryan plan and oppose increasing the debt limit in principle. But most Republicans–Ryan, Cantor, and Boehner among them–want a debt limit increase tied to spending cuts. So Democrats who make this point should be offered a deal: Enact the Ryan plan and a debt-limit increase together. I’m sure lots of Republicans would agree. Problem solved!