There were some signs that Senators McConnell and Reid were inching toward an agreement to avert economic catastrophe tonight. Here’s the NYT summary of the alleged near-deal:

Negotiators talked into the evening as senators from both parties coalesced around a plan that would lift the debt limit through Feb. 7, pass a resolution to finance the government through Jan. 15 and conclude formal discussions on a long-term tax and spending plan no later than Dec. 13, according to one Senate aide briefed on the plan.

That’s a very small window of relief until the next debt ceiling raise and an even smaller window for some kind of Grand Bargain breakthrough. But it’s better than default; and largely a defeat for the ugly forces that rallied yesterday outside the White House, accusing cops of being “brownshirts” for doing their jobs. Speaking of those protestors, we examined what exactly constitutes being an asshole; debunked the notion that gerry-mandering alone is the cause of polarization; and appreciated the anguish of Dave Chappelle’s tip-toeing through the minefields of comedy and race.

The most popular post of the day was my description of the horrifying, racist nullification rhetoric at the Tea Party rally yesterday: “This Is Where We Are.” The second was my take on Sarah Palin’s apparent invocation of the right to armed rebellion – except she probably wasn’t. She’d have to know who John Locke is first.

See you on AC360 Later at 10 pm every night this week, and, of course, in the morning.

(Photo: A sign blocks a hallway at the Capitol Building on October 14, 2013 in Washington, DC. As Democratic and Republican leaders negotiate an end to the shutdown and a way to raise the debt limit, the White House postponed a planned Monday afternoon meeting with Boehner and other Congressional leaders. The government shutdown is currently in its 14th day. By Andrew Burton/Getty Images.)