FISCAL CLIFF

Obama, Boehner Stuck on Specifics

Both sides say they want more details.

Isn’t it about time these two learn to speak the same language? Aides to President Obama and House Speaker John Boehner say the stalemate over the fiscal cliff hinges on specifics. Obama wants Boehner and Republicans to be more precise about higher taxes on wealthy Americans, and Boehner wants more details from Obama on spending cuts. Looking for support from Michigan autoworkers Monday, Obama told them he’s “willing to compromise a little bit” but won’t give an inch on higher tax rates for the wealthiest 2 percent of Americans. Some Republican senators have said they would consider supporting higher tax rates if they come with significant spending cuts to Medicare and Medicaid.