Comedy Script, from Jim Lackey

2011-07-21 · Jim Lackey
Original source

1:28pm| The New York Times report was written by veteran journalists Carl Hulse and Jackie Calmes. The paper appears to be standing by them, despite denials from all sides.

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1:25pm| Carney says report that administration informed congressional leaders that a "grand bargain" was near "is incorrect." Says discussions going back and forth..

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1:25pm| A spokesman for Eric Cantor tweets: "To be very clear: @GOPLeader Cantor is not aware of any deal or aware that any deal is close."

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1:24pm| Carney says he "will not address current negotiations and the parameters of them." Won't comment on whether tax reform, entitlement cuts still on the table.

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1:23pm| NBC News: White House Legislative Affairs Director Rob Nabors seen waiting outside Speaker Boehner's office..

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1:22pm| NBC News is reporting OMB Director Jack Lew was spotted going into Senate Democratic lunch..

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1:21pm| Carney: The suggestion we are close to a deal is incorrect."

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1:20pm| Carney: "There won't be a deal until there is a deal… Not having one now doesn't mean one won't be reached… We are cold-eyed realiists to the challenges to reaching a deal." 1:15pm| Carney says "We are not there, but we are hopeful we will get there." Says White House confident a $3 trillion to $4 trillion deal can still be reached.

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1:12pm| White House Press Secretary Jay Carney has started his briefing. Updates to follow.

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1:11pm| More from White House Press Secretary Jay Carney: "there is no progress to report but we continue to work on getting the most significant deficit reduction package possible.” He added:”Talks are ongoing over the phone and in person at the staff level and above."

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1:10pm| The New York Times appears to be standing by its reporting, tweeting again: NYT NEWS ALERT: Obama and Boehner Close to Major Budget Deal, Officials Say.

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1:09pm| Sen. Tom Coburn (R-OK) says Gang of Six deal can't be passed by Aug. 2 deadline. He wants Cut, Cap, and Balance to be the final deal.

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1:08pm| The New York Times has posted their report here.

Read the whole thing here.