(Image source: The New York Times)
BY MALLORY PERRYMAN
ANCHOR CHRISTINA HARTMAN
You're watching multisource politics video news analysis from Newsy.
What’s it gonna take to get a deal on the debt ceiling?
In a press conference on Wednesday- President Obama drew his line in the sand.
President Obama: “I want to extend those middle class tax cuts. The tax cuts I’m proposing we get rid of are tax breaks for millionaires and billionaires.”
The Washington Post’s Greg Sargent says- those are fightin’ words.
“Obama stopped just short of saying he would not accept a final deficit deal without a high end tax hike. But his presser made it clear that he will will relitigate this fight and make it central to the campaign...those who are hoping he will continue to make a strong moral argument in favor of ending [high-end tax cuts] should be pleased by what they heard.”
During the 70-minute presser- Mr. Obama talked about everything from Libya to budget negotiations- his frustration with Congress- very clear.
At one point- he even stacked work habits on the Hill up against his daughters’ time management skills.
President Obama: “Malia and Sasha generally finish their homework a day ahead of time. FLASH They don’t wait until the night before. They aren’t pulling all-nighters.”
That tense tone peaked analysts’ interest. But MSNBC’s Chuck Todd says- it’s not just directed at the GOP.
Chuck Todd (MSNBC): “You do get the sense that this is just as much about keeping Senate Democrats, who he is meeting with in a few hours, united as well. I think there is a little bit of concern that every Democrat is going to be on the same page as the president on these talks.”
On that same program-Democratic strategist David Bonior says- it’s about time the president got tough.
David Bonior (Democratic strategist): “Things are not getting done and the president was absolutely right to press that. He actually showed some emotion and energy about that that I was very pleased to see today. FLASH He said basically at this press conference, if I read the tea leaves right here and the words behind what he was saying: you’re not going to go on a break in August unless you get this done.”
Finally- a reporter for National Journal suggests- the president wasn’t threatening Congress- he was taking the fight to the public.
“...it underscored, in striking tones, his strategy for winning the debt ceiling fight with Republicans: Make it a clash of classes. Rich versus Poor. Us versus Them. Those who support children, food safety, medical research and, presumably, puppies and apple pie versus the rich fat cats who don't.”
The president warned about quote “unpredictable cuts” in federal programs if Congress doesn’t increase the debt ceiling by August 2nd.
Transcript by Newsy.
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