Washington (CNN) - After weeks of talking past each other, congressional leaders and President Barack Obama talked to each other Wednesday evening - only to emerge evidently no closer to a deal to halt the government's budget stalemate.
The White House meeting, coming a day after the start of the federal government shutdown, served at least one purpose, in that key players in the debate gathered together in the same room for over an hour: Obama called it "useful," House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi said it was "worthwhile," and House Speaker John Boehner cast it as a "polite conversation."
FULL STORY
I thought the headlines were the President invited the congressional leaders to the White House. I didn't see one of the leaders from the house in the picture. (Cruz)
Wake up People!
Boehner should stay at the bar and send Ted McCarthy Cruz in his place since he is now the unofficial de facto leader of the GOP these days.
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True. True.
He'll probably have that classless, cretin Cruz on speakerphone to confer with and get "permission to speak sir!". LOL!
I wonder if Speaker Cruz will be there.
Rudy NYC quipped:
I bet he walks in orange, and walks out red.
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Good one Rudy!!
LOL!
WSJ and others are reporting that this was meant to initiate discussion on the debt limit, not the shutdown.
I didn't think the Whitehouse negotiated with terrorists?!
Both parties still see this as a zero sum game. They're both playing for all or nothing and as long as they're doing that we get stuck with a non-functioning government. Their little partisans will be right behind this comment to remind everyone how this is the fault of the other party, illustrating my point the entire time. Holding out and demanding unconditional surrender (which is precisely what BOTH parties are doing) is not productive.
If you read this and begin typing up a comment about how your party would never do this, or how the other guys need to just give in and relent, understand that you are part of the problem because you encourage this absolutist behavior in your representatives.
Please, Mr. President do not negotiate with terrorists.
It's time the GOP began to realize......
MITT ROMNEY IS NOT THE POTUS!
Rick McDaniel
That's just a photo op for Obama, and nothing else. There is no intent to seek any compromise, whatsoever.
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That is because there is nothing to compromise on. The House GOP simply needs to do its job. Hint: holding the economy hostage isn't its job.
I am sure Boner will have Cruz on speed dial so can get his orders while in the meeting.
Really? Again? I feel a cave in coming on...
So is the President going to cave in yet again to these fools? Folding with yet another winning hand? I wouldn't be surprised...
Tom – Please, Mr. President do not negotiate with terrorists.
Unfortunately, in this case (unlike with all those Al Qaeda major dudes), he'll have to do it.
Point is, what will he offer to the GOP to save them some face (supposing that there's still some left) with the non-TEA party conservative guys and gals out there?