The ultimate goal of the debate to avoid the fiscal cliff, the fiscal cliff that endangers the US economy, "is to find a fair and balanced agreement that will bring the US deficit under control". An issue on which Democrats and Republicans "can agree and compromise." US President Barack Obama said this speaking from the White House, emphasizing that he "is ready and able (to find an agreement) and wants to do it".
Obama has once again called for Democrats and Republicans to work together to avoid the automatic tax hikes and cuts in public spending that would kick in from January if the Bush-era tax cuts were allowed to lapse.
"I hope for an agreement before Christmas," Obama said, recalling that time is running out. “Let's start with the things everyone agrees on, I'm ready to ratify an agreement that avoids tax increases for the middle class, the debate is not just about the numbers, but the impact on families and companies, which cannot afford a increase in the tax burden".
