Obama to GOP: "Our biggest problems in the next 10 years are not deficits"

[ProSense]

Obama to GOP: "Our biggest problems in the next 10 years are not deficits"

by TomP

President Obama is right. Looks like he and Krugman and Stiglitz and many economists agree on this core point. Of course, Joe Scarborough, noted ignoramus, disagrees, as does John Boehner.

One day after Republicans rolled out a detailed proposal aimed at eliminating the federal deficit through steep cuts and repealing many of the president’s accomplishments, Mr. Obama told them pointedly in a rare visit that their highest fiscal priority was not his.

“Our biggest problems in the next 10 years are not deficits,” the president said, according to accounts from the meeting, bluntly rejecting an idea that has become Republican fiscal dogma.

That left many Republicans, who are resisting the president’s calls to close tax loopholes that benefit the wealthy, wondering where they could find room for compromise.

“Well, he doesn’t want to balance the budget in 10 years, and he wants tax increases, and he wants new spending,” Representative Darrell Issa of California said as he left the meeting early. “But other than that, we’re close.”

NY Times

- more -

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2013/03/14/1193994/-Obama-to-GOP-Our-biggest-problems-in-the-next-10-years-are-not-deficits

U.S. Budget Deal in Doubt; Obama’s Trip to Hill Reveals Split
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/03/14/us/politics/obama-to-meet-with-house-gop-over-budget.htm

Statement by the Press Secretary on the Senate Democratic Budget

The Senate Democratic budget is a concrete plan that will grow our economy and shrink our deficits in a balanced way, consistent with the President’s belief that our economy grows best from the middle-out, not the top-down, while reducing the debt as a share of the economy. It’s a plan that doesn’t dwell on ongoing debates, but rather moves our country forward by making investments critical to our middle-class security – like education, manufacturing, and rebuilding our crumbling roads and bridges – while looking for waste, fraud, and savings throughout government. This budget makes tough spending cuts and leaves no sacred cows, but it also makes sure that seniors and the middle class aren’t forced to bear the full burden of deficit reduction by eliminating wasteful loopholes through tax reform, so that the wealthiest Americans pay their fair share.

Republicans and Democrats have now put their plans on the table. And while there are differences, both sides share some common goals. The President looks forward to seeking compromise and common ground with Congress so we can grow the economy, create jobs, and cut the deficit in a balanced way.

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2013/03/13/1193895/-White-House-press-secretary-statement-on-the-Senate-Democratic-budget

Summary of Senate Democrats' budget plan
http://www.democraticunderground.com/10022502958

[ProSense]

1. Kick for

the deal that's never going to happen.