The Washington Post is reporting that two top Republican leaders clashed Wednesday over a plan that could allow the government to avoid a potentially catastrophic default but would not ensure the deep cuts in federal spending that party members seek. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) and House Majority Leader Eric Cantor (R-Va.) clashed over how to solve the debt-ceiling issue.
McConnell, who offered a proposal this week that would allow President Obama to raise the federal debt limit without guaranteed spending cuts, warned that the Republican Party could "destroy" its brand with voters if Congress allows the government to default.
Cantor rejected McConnell's plan for resolving the debt stalemate, instead vowing to press ahead with the campaign to roll back government spending.
Those talks ended on an angry note when Obama and Cantor disagreed over the length of the proposed debt-ceiling increase. Cantor had been urging a short-term extension that would require Congress to vote a second time on the unpopular measure before the 2012 election. The president lectured about the need to drop political posturing, saying several times, "Enough is enough," according to Democratic officials with knowledge of the closed-door meeting.
The president reportedly walked out of the meeting.
Seriously? We can't believe these talks are still going on, and now Republicans are feuding with one another? In the words of Ed Lover, C'mon, son! Something has to give, and we are in agreement with the president: Enough is enough. Elected officials should be able to figure out a solution. Wait a minute — they have. McConnell and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid have been working together, and Vice President Joe Biden outlined ways in which cuts could be made, so what is the problem?
Top Democrats and rank-and-file Republicans are on board with McConnell's suggestion. Cantor's insistence on posturing for the cameras is played out. We get it. You want to be able to say just in time for the elections that you stood against the president and your party because you're for the people. Duly noted. Now move on, please.
Read more at the Washington Post.
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