Fifty-five days and counting. That’s how long Congress’ so-called super committee has to come up with a plan to slash at least $1.2 trillion in federal spending over a 10-year period. 

Plenty of people are skeptical — partly because of how partisan the environment on Capitol Hill is these days, but also because the stakes are so high. The fact that the 12-member committee has been so quiet about its discussions thus far doesn’t help quell skepticism (or curiosity). 

But Sen. Daniel Inouye says we should give the group a chance to succeed before we plan for failure.  

“They are playing it close to the vest,” Inouye told DC808 through a spokesman. “There is nothing in the news about what they are discussing, which is the way it should be. I am operating under the assumption that it will work. Too many of us start thinking about Plan B before we are done focusing on Plan A.”