News after the meeting with Obama and Congress leaders: Cautious optimism

all parties involved understand a deal must be in place before new year

all parties know a deal will help sustain economic growth and lower unemployment

all parties understand the "average american" will suffer if no deal is in place

all parties acknowledge they do not want to be blamed or liable for a country's economic crisis

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424127887324669104578207423905083416.html

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/dec/28/obama-senate-leaders-fiscal-cliff

http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2012/12/28/obama-boehner-reid-mcconnell-fiscal-cliff/1796395/

President Obama and lawmakers expressed optimism for a deal, though the president also voiced frustration that yet another Washington budget battle is going down to the last minute.