Today's edition of quick hits:
* President Obama spoke in Maryland this morning, and sounded pretty fired up about congressional Republicans' radical tactics.
* Iran: "Secretary of State John Kerry, in his first remarks about Iran since Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel warned the United States to be wary of talks with the country, said on Thursday that the United States would negotiate with Tehran only if it provided proof that it would not pursue nuclear defense programs."
* No one told nature the government is shut down: "A hurricane watch for the Gulf Coast and an early season snowstorm in the Rockies and Plains have broken the calm of a relatively quiet period of weather across the country. Tropical Storm Karen has formed in the Gulf of Mexico, prompting a hurricane watch along the Gulf Coast from Louisiana to Florida."
* Viruses don't seem to care about continuing resolutions, either: "A new flu season may be brewing in the U.S., just as the federal experts who usually monitor the severity and scope of influenza have been idled by a government shutdown."
* They're really not kidding: "The Treasury Department warned of catastrophe that could plunge the nation into the worst recession since the Great Depression if Congress fails to raise the debt ceiling."
* This is bolstered by ample evidence: "Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) on Thursday said Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) reneged on a deal they hashed out in private earlier this year to pass a "clean" stopgap bill funding the government. Reid said Boehner never wanted to wage a protracted battle over ObamaCare as part of the negotiations to keep the government running."
* Buckle up: "Rep. Pete King said the government shutdown could last 'several weeks.' The New York Republican is working with centrist GOP lawmakers to stop the shutdown by rallying support for a 'clean' government funding bill."
* You wouldn't like RNC Chair Reince Priebus when he's angry.
* And Rep. Todd Rokita (R-Ind.) did a television interview about his party's government shutdown and crusade against the Affordable Care Act. He responded with over-the-topmansplaining, including telling the on-air host she's "beautiful." How's that RNC outreach to women going, Reince?
Anything to add? Consider this an open thread.