With a week to go until a debt limit action deadline, the Congress is slowly trying to muddle its way to a resolution of this high stakes political battle, as both sides used Monday to once more question the political motives of the other party in this dispute.
After both sides unveiled the outlines of their latest plans in Congress, President Obama used the bully pulpit to again rip Republicans on the debt limit, as he called on voters to call their lawmakers and demand a "balanced approach," which has been Mr. Obama's code for a combination of budget cuts and tax increases.
"I’m asking you all to make your voice heard. If you want a balanced approach to reducing the deficit, let your member of Congress know. If you believe we can solve this problem through compromise, send that message."
The message may have been heard, as in the first hour after the President's speech, Congressional websites were working very slowly and some not at all.
"The American people may have voted for divided government, but they didn’t vote for a dysfunctional government," the President said.
What was interesting about the President's call for action was that he was urging support for his "balanced approach" that includes taxes - but right now - neither of the new plans offered up by Republicans and Democrats on Monday includes any taxes in the short term.
They both could entertain taxes later, as a special joint House-Senate committee on the deficit would be created to come up with almost $2 trillion in extra budget savings.
"The president has often said we need a 'balanced' approach -- which in Washington means: we spend more. . .you pay more," said Speaker Boehner in his rebuttal, as he made sure to mention the tax increase argument.
"Having run a small business, I know those tax increases will destroy jobs," Boehner said.
Boehner made sure in his speech to take some jabs at the White House as well.
"The sad truth is that the president wanted a blank check six months ago, and he wants a blank check today. That is just not going to happen," the Speaker said.
And so, here we are, with one week to go before the debt limit deadline, seemingly in an intractable political duel, a "three ring circus" as described by the President.
Expect more finger pointing today, especially as Republicans learn more details about the plan unveiled late Monday night by Speaker Boehner.
Still, don't automatically assume that the Congress is going to go off the rails. Some insiders believe the Boehner plan may provide the outline of the ultimate deal.
There is one week to go.
