LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) - The U.S. Senate's top Republican is accusing President Barack Obama of showing no willingness to compromise in high-stakes negotiations to avoid a looming combination of automatic tax increases and spending cuts.
And Sen. Mitch McConnell said that tactic leads him to believe Obama is willing to drive the U.S. economy off the so-called "fiscal cliff."
In a hard-hitting speech on Friday in his hometown of Louisville, McConnell described Obama's negotiating tactic as - "Give me everything I want." He said the president is determined to get his way, and acknowledged that the negotiations are "stacked in his favor."
He said that's because under the law, Bush-era tax cuts for everyone are set to expire on Jan. 1 and automatic, across-the-board spending cuts kick in the next day.
Current Conditions
Weather for Lexington, Kentucky
Opinion
Current Conditions
Enter your number for a chance to win great prizes!
Message and data rates may apply
