So, it looks like they're talking about Grand Bargain-Lite

[geek tragedy]

http://bigstory.ap.org/article/house-gop-white-house-seeking-end-budget-fight

In addition to ending the shutdown and increasing the debt limit, the proposal includes an easing of the across-the-board spending cuts that began taking effect a year ago, and replacing them with curbs in benefit programs that Obama himself has backed.

Among them is a plan to raise the cost of Medicare for better-off beneficiaries.

Doesn't mention chained CPI. Obviously the numbers matter a great deal, but turning off the sequester for means-testing isn't nearly as bad as chained CPI.

That doesn't make this a good or even acceptable deal, of course, we need a lot more details to determine that.

[Oilwellian]

1. replacing them with curbs in benefit programs

Please note the plurality of that statement. I wonder what other benefit programs will be cut and Obama is happy to support. Hmmm.

[NuclearDem]

2. The only thing that should be on the table should be the print outs of the recent polls.

The only thing the Republicans should be getting offered is the chance to keep their approval ratings in the double digits.

Seriously, why are we even proposing any sort of bargain with these people?!

[jollyreaper2112]

3. Bull

Obama should be putting more demands on the table. This is what you give up to make it stop.

[spanone]

4. the right gets rewarded for shutting down the government and threatening economic disaster....sweet

[Broward]

5. If true, then so much for not negotiating around the debt ceiling.

[Oilwellian]

6. It's not around the debt ceiling

Obama stated in his press conference the other day, if Republicans sign a clean resolution, he'll be more than happy to work with them during budget negotiations. My question is, who is doing the bribing here?

[leftstreet]

7. '...that Obama himself has backed'

Here we go

[The Magistrate]

8. Unacceptable, Sir

They have to drop the gun and kick it over to the officer; they cannot just tuck it back into the waist-band and drape a shirt-tail over it.

The debt ceiling must be raised by an amount sufficient to ensure it the next Congress which must vote to raise it, and the continuing resolution must be for the full fiscal year --- neither can have any condition attached.

Congressional Republicans cannot be allowed even the merest whisp of covering to drape over their shame. They not only have to be defeated, they have to be seen to be defeated, and unmistakably, undeniably defeated.

[geek tragedy]

9. They ran their column of troops into a box canyon, the only way out

of a box canyon is by turning around and retreating. Democrats' role is to allow them to leave, while perforating their rear quarters with arrows.

[The Magistrate]

10. Or Lay A Barrage Across the Entrance, Sir

And drop mortar rounds in till the whole thing is craters....