Stand Tough Republicans....

Jul 12, 2011
McConnell, Boehner blast Obama over debt talks

By David Jackson, USA TODAY

Just hours before another White House meeting, the top two Republicans in Congress blasted President Obama today for a debt reduction proposal they say is more specific about taxes than actual budget cuts.

"In my view the president has presented us with three choices," said Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., referring to efforts to raise the $14.3 trillion debt ceiling. "Smoke and mirrors, tax hikes, or default."

"Republicans choose none of the above," McConnell said. "I had hoped to do good; but I refuse to do harm."

Meanwhile, House Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio, demanded more specifics from Obama, saying, "Where's the president's plan? When's he going to lay his cards on the table?"

"This debt limit increase is his problem," Boehner said. "I think it's time for him to lead by putting his plan on the table, something that the Congress can pass."

Republican and Democratic leaders are scheduled to meet with Obama at 3:45 p.m., a third straight day of negotiating.


President Obama and House Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio, all dressed up.CAPTIONBy Saul Loeb, AFP/Getty ImagesThe president has said he will meet with congressional leaders every day until a deal is reached -- but given the increasingly harsh rhetoric, it's hard to see what the meetings are accomplishing.

At one point, McConnell said: "I have little question that as long as this president is in the Oval Office, a real solution is unattainable."

Obama will presumably provide a response to the latest Republican comments when he sits down with CBS News anchor Scott Pelley in an interview to be broadcast this evening.

At a news conference yesterday, Obama said he has "bent over backwards" to work with Republicans on a debt reduction deal that makes real cuts, including changes to Social Security and Medicare; in return, Republicans must sign off on new government revenues via the elimination of certain tax breaks for the wealthy.

"I do not see a path to a deal if they don't budge, period," Obama said. "I mean, if the basic proposition is "it's my way or the highway," then we're probably not going to get something done because we've got divided government."

The negotiations are designed to find a way to raise the nation's $14.3 trillion debt ceiling and avoid a government default on its obligations.

Republicans, including those who run the U.S. House, say they won't vote for a debt ceiling without offsetting budget cuts.

Obama and the Democrats say any debt reduction plan must be "balanced," including new revenues from the elimination of unfair tax breaks.