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Obama's lack of leadership to blame for 'fiscal cliff'?

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    Bill Richardson defends president

  • Duration 7:58
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-- President Obama continues to place the blame on Republican congressional leaders for the looming fiscal cliff disaster -- we all must remember that the president seems to be okay with this happening.

Now why because of Obama actually stood up and -- real leadership there would be consequences for him now this could.

Drastically impact the radical agenda that he's hoping to push through during -- second term.

But that's not the only thing that should be -- the White House tonight because as president Obama's nominee for secretary of state.

Senator John Kerry awaits confirmation hearings to begin Republicans are saying.

Not so fast that demanding current secretary of state Hillary Clinton testify on -- -- before any confirmation hearings -- get.

And joining me now with reaction all this and much more is former New Mexico governor Bill Richardson governor always good to see it -- -- they want us happy new year execution.

You know governor we've actually been friendly over the years you know I've gotten along.

I remember I've been out to your state you been gracious enough to be very nice to me over the years.

And I always look -- you even though we had political disagreements as somebody that really cared about your state your country and work very hard.

It where now on the brink as a country.

And Americans in business have no idea what the taxes are going to be.

The United States senate has not has not passed a spending bill.

In over thirteen hundred days over three years.

And the president Harry -- -- all blaming Republicans.

Where is the blame in the intellectual honesty your party to say this is reckless.

Irresponsible on the Democrats part you acknowledge that.

Shot and I think for the first time tonight.

They're moving in the right direction they're talking.

There's progress here's my take I think that speaker Boehner wants a deal.

I think Mitch McConnell wants a deal so does Harry Reid.

And so does the president I think the problem.

Lies with the Tea Party Republicans in the house that's the problem.

I think it makes no sense to assign blame right now I think the next 24 hours are critical.

I worry about the automatic defense cuts.

Medicare.

People vulnerable probably broke up problems.

But but I think there's maybe there's a genuine effort by these leaders right now especially McConnell.

And Harry Reid to get a bill to the senate floor that you mentioned.

Moves us in the right direction may be short term.

And then then a few days later after the New Year's a longer term grand bargain.

You know.

Governor would though I -- we're good friends you totally avoided my question.

But thirteen hundred days over three years the -- as a constant by the -- -- and the senate as a constitutional authority.

To pass spending bills but they haven't done that.

And now here we are three days before the countries of going over fiscal cliff and now maybe we might get a mini deal it now there engage.

Don't you think that is irresponsible from the democratic standpoint I think Republicans have made mistakes they spend too much money do.

-- shot and it has been irresponsible on the part of the whole congress this is why there.

Held in such low esteem.

You know as a governor in the state.

You have to balance a budget it's state law in and most states.

Look this is why I called for constitutional amendment to balance a budget.

When I was running for president four years ago I didn't get very far it was not popular my point though is that look I served in the congress.

These negotiations happen on budgets.

On taxes.

On even foreign policy issues the last days.

When the pressure is really on.

When.

The gun is pointing to -- ahead of a lot of members of congress bipartisan.

Republican and Democrats.

It's moving in the right direction we've got 34 days to -- I wouldn't be surprised if something doesn't happen until the very last day.

But I think it well I get a sense that.

Is let me governor just very gently disagree with you and I and I know you probably think that this is it may be a good deal whatever they're talking about their talking.

The president I spoke to somebody was in the meeting today and the president is exactly where he was on day one and that it is.

Businesses small business over 250000 they pay more.

That would fund government for eight and a half days that's all that's going to be.

So to me what a president Boris 46 cents of every dollar and we have sixteen trillion dollars in debt.

Tell me where I am wrong I don't think we're dealing with the real problem I don't think this solves anything.

I think this it has been a false argument from the beginning.

We've got to deal with spending and and they are spending way too much money in washing.

Well I think the reality -- if you look at the latest agreements -- deals I won't -- agreements.

We're not that far apart on discretionary spending.

We're not that far apart on some of the other programs that the entitlement programs.

We we really -- basically.

-- big differences in the tax arena.

Of the 250000.

Threshold.

And I think the president has moved he's moved on all fronts.

And I do think as I said speaker Boehner and I think now -- senator McConnell.

They're all moving in the right direction towards an agreement.

And I do believe in an agreement on.

Him but but an agreement -- it but let me give you a -- -- you -- you balance the budget as governor.

You ran on a platform and and I agree with you I think we ought to balance our budget every American has the balance a budget.

-- none of what we're discussing today are nothing in this deal will stop this country from borrowing 46 cents of every dollar.

Or take away the sixteen trillion in debt -- keeps rising.

So I don't think we're getting close -- anything that's really gonna solve America's problem are we.

No -- there's where I agree with you.

I think beyond this fiscal cliff deal there has to be a long range plan those Simpson Bowles plan I think is the one.

That makes most sense entitlement reform.

Spending cuts and and and many other measures that need to happen look we have to have jobs and economic growth in this country.

That should be Paramount and trying to resolve these economic problems I think the congress and the president.

As soon as this deal is over and I think there will be one in the next week or so.

Short term first then a longer term one has to get down.

Two job creation.

Economic growth -- technology growth.

International issues affecting our national security.

This really needs to happen and it has to be bipartisan.

And I think we're moving in that direction right now.

Are gonna make a final bet and M prediction with the only because we're old friends.

I will bet you gentlemen's bet.

That the president he wants the fiscal cliff he's gonna come back and he's gonna that he's -- to give back three of the four trillion in new tax increases.

And then the report then -- going to be huge fight over the debt ceiling and I don't really I don't see a path.

To any real compromise in the and I think we're at -- pretty pretty large standstill in the country governor.

Well let's say will have a friendly back -- -- as good friends.

Let's keep it that way I'm not gonna propose -- 101000 -- like cut.

Mitt Romney did just a friendly had a he can.

-- got a lot of it got eleven golf at some point he lost the election.

Governor good to see -- -- -- -- being with us and happy new year -- So maybe you -- and.

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