"I think that what most Americans don't realise is that when people threaten to shut down the American government over women's healthcare - the craziness shakes up the risk calculus of the world and people start searching for alternatives. This is bad for America and it's bad for the world."

Great point, but I think Americans would mostly fall into two camps.

- Those who realize how bad it is, and are eternally frustrated at our politicians.

- Those who don't care about the world at large. (my feeling is due to lack of education, but that is my own bias)

But I really agree with you, political circus is the perfect way to put it.