My prediction on how the debt limit debate will play out

I believe the Democrats will support abolishing the debt limit permanently. They will not support a 2 or 3 year "suspension". Abolishing it will probably pass the House but will most likely be killed in the Senate.

The Democrats will vote to increase the debt ceiling, marginally (by a Trillion or so), but for a short period, like 1 year.

This will cause considerable consternation to the Republicans, pitting the House Republicans against each other and Trump against the Republicans in the Senate.

There is no need to shut down the government. Just give small increases in the debt ceiling, if we can't abolish the thing altogether.

The Democrats hold all the cards on this issue and they should play them wisely.