ABC’s Stephanopoulos is asking Obama whether or not entitlement reform is on the table. Obama claims that some Republicans didn’t really know what he planned, but Stephanopoulos presses him:
GEORGE STEPHANOPOULOS:
But even the ones who’ve seen your plans say they need to see more.PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA:
Well– I understand. Which is why, at some point, I think I take myself out of this. Right now, what I’m trying to do is create an atmosphere where Democrats and Republicans can go ahead, get together, and try to get something done. And, y– you know– I think what’s important to recognize is that– we’ve already cut– $2.5– $2.7 trillion out of the deficit. If the sequester stays in, you’ve got over $3.5 trillion of deficit reduction already.And, so, we don’t have an immediate crisis in terms of debt. In fact, for the next ten years, it’s gonna be in a sustainable place. The question is, can we do it smarter, can we do it better? And– you know, what I’m saying to them is I am prepared to do some tough stuff. Neither side’s gonna get 100%. That’s what the American people are lookin’ for. That’s what’s gonna be good for jobs. That’s what’s gonna be good for growth.
But ultimately, it may be that– the differences are just– too wide. It may be that ideologically, if their position is, “We can’t do any revenue,” or, “We can only do revenue if we gut Medicare or gut Social Security or gut Medicaid,” if that’s the position, then we’re probably not gonna be able to get a deal.
GEORGE STEPHANOPOULOS:
Where–PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA:
That won’t– that won’t create a crisis. It just means that we will have missed an opportunity. I think that opportunity is there and I’m gonna– make sure that they know that I’m prepared to– work with them. But ultimately, it may be better if some Democratic and Republican Senators work together. We can–GEORGE STEPHANOPOULOS:
So, you might poison the well if you put forward these ideas(OVERTALK)
PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA:
You know –I think whatever I’m for, it’s very hard for a Republican to also be for. I think they always have to be a little bit– you know, maintain some distance–
Not only does he say we don’t have a debt crisis, but once again tries to make it about him instead of his horrible policies. Republicans don’t oppose his ideas because they come from him. It’s because his policies don’t work – evidenced by 0.1 percent growth in the last quarter.
It’s gonna be a long four years.