The White House had a clear goal Tuesday: Framing Rep. Paul Ryan’s budget plan as a handout to the wealthy at the expense of the middle class.

That’s why White House Press Secretary Jay Carney repeatedly called for “balance,” saying President Obama preferred a combination of tax increases and spending cuts to make a dent in chronic deficits. In contrast, Ryan’s plan relies on more substantial cuts to entitlement programs than those hinted at by the president.