Obama fights Republican leadership over deal before fiscal cliff budget talks – Budget changes are unlikely but deal is important show of good government

Obama meets with top Republican on fiscal cliff

President Barack Obama and House of Representatives speaker John Boehner met to discuss the so-called impending fiscal cliff of steep tax hikes and spending cuts. No details of the talks were given, but a statement from Boehner’s office said “the lines of communication remain open.”

‘Fiscal Cliff’ Dominates Sunday Show Talk

Two Senate Republicans voiced a willingness to accept higher taxes on the wealthy, while IMF chief Christine Lagarde urged a balanced approach.