Congress Wrestles with Growing Federal Deficit

The deficit and our debt have the full attention of lawmakers across the political spectrum, with the exception of President Obama.

He says his focus is on jobs.

In a YouTube session Thursday President Obama campaigned for more spending to ensure future American jobs.

“We’ve got to make sure we’re focused exclusively on economic growth,” he said..

It was a chorus of one.

Most in Washington are riveted by the deficit, increasing 40% this year.

Democrats and Republicans have agreed on some fixes.

“Debt’s a bipartisan problem,” said Georgia Republican Johnny Isakson.

Not to some.

At their first meeting, Tea Party Senators laid blame for the red ink on President Obama, whose rise to about 50% approval they find baffling.

“The half of you who understand that what’s happening’s going to destroy our country need to be more active, more passionate,” said South Carolina Senator Jim DeMint.

Some liberals were passionate as well, warning against Social Security cuts.

“That the retirement age should be raised, that benefits should be cut, is totally unacceptable,” said Vermont’s Bernie Sanders.

Still, the fact that both sides agree that now is the time to deal with the deficit is raising optimism.

One Republican said this looks like the magic year to change the political process that led to all the red ink and borrowing.