With debt talks between lawmakers on the verge of collapsing, the White House on Monday said to look elsewhere in assigning fault for the failure of the supercommittee.
“Congress assigned itself a task,” said White House Press Secretary Jay Carney. “They have to hold themselves responsible.”
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Carney called the Republican assertion that President Obama was not involved in the process “simply false,” noting that Obama laid out a plan before the supercommitee convened.
Yet, unlike the debt-ceiling crisis, when Vice President Biden and administration officials hosted seemingly daily meetings with lawmakers, Obama maintained a hands-off approach this time around.
“There was an urgency at the time that required his direct involvement,” Carney said on the difference in approach, noting the prospect of U.S. default on its loans during the summer.
By maintaining his distance from the failed negotiations, Obama can sharpen his message on a “do-nothing Congress.” However, that approach carries risks since Democratic lawmakers would also absorb blame for the lack of a solution.
