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WASHINGTON, Dec 21 (Reuters) – President Barack Obama on
Friday urged lawmakers to reach agreement on averting tax hikes
on the middle class, saying he was ready and willing to do what
it takes to get a deal by Jan. 1.
Obama said he had spoken with Republican House Speaker John
Boehner and met with Senate Democratic leader Harry Reid about
the fiscal cliff. The president said he was an optimist and
believed a deal could be hammered out.
Obama had been expected to leave as early as Friday to spend
the Christmas holidays in Hawaii, but he gave no indications of
his travel plans except to tell reporters “see you next week.”
(Reporting By Tabassum Zakaria and Matt Spetalnick)
