'Fiscal Cliff' Deniers Doubt World Will End If Talks Fail

Green's group isn't the only one that feels this way.

"There's no question that the spending cuts and tax hikes set to be triggered January 1 would harm poor and middle class families, but the radical approach being pushed by Republicans is even worse," MoveOn.org spokesman Nick Berning told ABC News via email.

"Democrats must not agree to the GOP's proposal to cut Social Security benefits through the chained CPI--it would be too harmful to seniors. Democrats including President Obama must stand up for the poor and middle class by standing strong against any Social Security, Medicare, or Medicaid benefit cuts."

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On both sides, fiscal brinksmanship has revealed a willingness to reject deals right up until the deadline.

Rep. Tim Huelskamp, R-Kansas, took to a podium outside the Capitol this week to say that Republicans voting for House Speaker John Boehner's "Plan B" proposal deserve to be challenged in primaries. While that's not the same as denying that the "cliff" is so terrible, such resistance to compromise implies a willingness to walk very close to the edge.

After that plan's failure, it appears more likely that the liberal wish will come true, and that conservatives like Huelskamp won't have to explain the drawbacks of compromise to their constituents.

This story has been updated.