With spirits high, President Barack Obama addressed the nation in front of a group of middle class citizens who he invited to the White House to speak about the looming fiscal cliff.
DETAILS: The Pressure’s On! President Obama Scolds Congress For Fiscal Cliff Decision Delay
In a more relaxed mode than we’ve seen the President in recent press conferences concerning the failing fiscal agreements, Obama assured the nation that the agreement is “within sight, but not done yet.”
The potential agreement he said, will prevent middle class families from paying an extra $2,000 a year.
“Middle class can’t afford it, businesses can’t afford it, the economy can’t afford it.”
The plan would also do the following: It would extend tax credits for families with children, extend tax credits for clean energy companies, and extend tax credits for unemployment insurance.
“My preference would have been to solve all these problems in a larger deal that solves the deficit problem, that doesn’t just deal with taxes…in a balanced way.” Obama said.
“With this Congress that was a little too much to hope for at this time. We’re going to solve this problem instead in several steps.”
The president then spoke to the nation about the shared responsibility between millionaires and middle class, urging Congress to understand that the fiscal diversion needs to come from a balanced and responsible decision.
“It’s going to have to be a matter of shared sacrifice, at least as long as I’m president, and I’m going to be president for the next four years. For now, our immediate priority is to stop taxes going up for middle-class families”
DETAILS: Work Work Work! Obama Leaves Hawaii Early To Keep Us Off Fiscal Cliff
Looks like something is brewing behind those Congress doors. Happy New Year to us!
SOURCE: White House / MSNBC
