NEW YORK (CNNMoney) – President Obama issued a broadside Tuesday in the debt ceiling debate, saying in a high-profile interview that he cannot ensure government benefits - including Social Security - will be paid if Congress fails to act.
"I cannot guarantee that those checks go out on August 3rd if we haven't resolved this issue. Because there may simply not be the money in the coffers to do it," Obama told CBS News.
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do the right thing Barry...take taxes off the table and settle this.
How is it that that we always take from people that need stuff and never take from those that don't? Why don't we take Obama's check and see how he likes it.
GOP response: "See?!?!!? We might want to cut your check into tiny pieces and only give you a tiny portion of it, but at least you get one if you do whatever we want!"
Getting it yet? Either we agree to destroy SS and Medicare/caid in order to raise the debt ceiling or they get destroyed by failing to raise the debt ceiling. The GOP thinks this is win-win. Meanwhile, the rope keeps piling up.
this is frightening for the republicans to take away our standing in the world simply to protect the rich. if seniors an military don't get paid america had better not see the congress an senate draw their big fat checks or we will have a mutany. republicans should be fired an charged with treason for what they are doing!
these pathetic tea-bagging idiots will be voted out in 2012 thank god and if THE SPEAKER is smart he will support the president on protecting america from itself. cantor is a traitor and will be voted out of office as well. REPUBLICANS PLEEEESE STOP SAYING THIS IS WHAT AMERICA VOTED YOU INTO OFFICE TO DO BECAUSE YOU ARE IGNORANT. YOU WERE VOTED IN TO CREATE JOBS!!!!! NOT BRING AMERICA DOWN.
It's a shame that the "Leaders" of this country can't end the bickering and come together to solve this major issue. Feels like a long drawn soap opera. No one cares what political party you represent. We're all Americans! Do what's right for the country!
Boehner can't keep the TP and Wall St. happy. He has to chose Wall St. Also...time for the Attorney General to investigate the nature of the republican secret pledges on taxes or anything else. There is only one pledge...to uphold and defend the constitution of the US...any other pledges are impeachable offences.
Republicans can care less if grandma doesn't get her check. They look at that as shrinking government. I call it being a traitor to the people.
If you don't want a civil war you had better retract your statement Obama!!!!!!!!!
Face it America John Boehner doesn't care about America.
Way to go Obama scare the hell out of the elderly. I know that I paid into social security for more than 46 years. Now you are telling me your going to stop paying me my social security benefits. Are you out of your mind? Senior vote in every election.You need to find some place to live in January 2013. I and many many senior are going to show you the door.
Now you republicans I can really see being re-elected. Why because you are just as stupid as Obama.
AMERICA MADE A PROMISE TO THE PEOPLE THAT PAID INTO THE SOCIAL SECURITY TRUST FUND.
WE WOULD RECEIVE A MODEST PENSION IN OUR OLD AGE.
NOW IS THE TIME FOR YOU AND THE GOVERNMENT TO KEEP YOUR PROMISE.
old joe
If we do not pay it out, does that mean we get to stop paying into SS?:-) Sounds a bit like taking your toys out of the sand box..... I seem to recall many financial advisors stating our bailout was just a way to put off the inevitable.... maybe they were correct.
..and that is exactly what Bohner and the GOP scum want to happen....
This is disgraceful. I hope those people who voted republican are satisified. They are just too confrontational for me.
Obama is using that threat to try to coerce the GOP. He is simply despicable to threaten the survival of seniors, after he has personally squandered billions of dollars with absolutely NOTHING to show for it!
The government needs to understand that they are the chain of command of the country...they don't figure out this debt deal...US people will not receive their checks and no bills get paid....we fall to hell again
#cnn.... The government needs to understand that they are the chain of command of the country...they don't figure out this debt deal...US people will not receive their checks and no bills get paid....we fall to hell again
Obama can not guarantee social security checks if the debt limit is raised!
Get real!
Nope. But, people like Bachman, Romney, Boehner, McConnell say that all we need to do is pay the interest. That we can forego paying seniors, troops, Medicare, etc.
You're learning Mr. President, you're learning good for you!
Show the Rethugs they are not the only ones capable of scaring the populace thereby forcing your opponent into a corner where they will HAVE TO take action.
Well done sir.
Obama 2012.
Of course any check with and addres in Mexico will have to be processed. Cant discriminate you know.
I think It Time for the Republican to stop this my way or the highway crap and get a deal done now. The Pledge you republican sign to these SPECIAL GROUP should be against the Law. Because you Republican have all ready swear to a OATH TO AMERICA AND TO ALL AMERICAN PEOPLE. That mean you are suppose to do what Is best for AMERICA and letting America to default on It DEPT IS NOT IN AMERICA BEST INTEREST..
All of this hassle to keep the loopholes for the wealthy. AND to protect those subsidies given to Major Oil companies making multi-millions per day in PROFIT (that's after taxes and payrolls, etc.).
WTG Republicans. We can hear you loud and clear.
GI Joe all this hassel to keep benefits for illegals.
Rick McDaniel,
Obama was not making threats. He can't pay the bills if the government can't borrow any more money, which happens when the government hits the debt ceiling. The government is taking in 2.4 trillion dollars in tax revenues. The spending on Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid is 1.5 trillion. The spending on the military is 900 billion. There is another 600 billion of mandatory spending, which includes food stamps. The interest on the national debt is 250 billion. The spending on the rest
You are dumb. Not you, Mr. President, the people who voted for and against you. They are dumber than a box of rocks. We're broke. Broke. That means no $ for anything. Get it? It isn't personal, just accounting. If the government pays you, they might bounce their checks and then owe BOA $200 million in returned check fees. Money comes from somewhere and it, despite what they tell you, is not the government. Unless you like to collect worthless paper with pretty writing.