The post-election negotiations over taxes, the economy and the so-called fiscal cliff moved into a new phase this afternoon when President Obama stepped up to a microphone at the White House to lay out his latest thoughts about what needs to be done.
"It's time to get back to work and there is plenty of work to do," he said. "The American people voted for action, not politics as usual."
It's the president's first address to the nation since his victory celebration Election Night in Chicago. The last time an incumbent president had the chance to lay out a post-election agenda, of course, was in 2004. Then, President George W. Bush famously said, "I earned capital in the campaign, political capital. And now I intend to spend it. It is my style."
Earlier today, House Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio), repeated his call on the Democratic president to take the lead in such talks. Boehner also repeated the basic Republican position: that "lowering [tax] rates and cleaning up the tax code" will spur economic growth.
We'll update with highlights from the president's remarks. He's scheduled to begin at 1:05 p.m. ET.
Update at 1:10 p.m. ET. Meeting Next Week:
The president confirms that he's invited Congressional leaders from both parties to a meeting at the White House next week. He also says he's inviting "business, labor and civics leaders."
Update at 1:09 p.m. ET. Time For Action:
As he begins, the president says 'it's time to get back to work and there is plenty of work to do. The American people voted for action, not politics as usual."
Update at 1 p.m. ET. Probably No Questions.
CBS News' Mark Knoller tweets that:
"East Room set up lengthwise. Reporters on the far end. No chance for questions today, though Jay Carney holds press briefing at 2pm/ET."
Update at 12:50 p.m. ET. Meeting At White House Next Week?
"Obama inviting leaders of Congress to White House next week for fiscal cliff talks," The Associated Press says in an "bulletin" it just sent out.
Some earlier coverage:
-- Boehner: 'Raising Tax Rates Is Unacceptable'
-- Opening Lines Set For A Deal To Avoid Fiscal Cliff
-- Shake A Leg Or Throw A Fist? Which Will It Be On Capitol Hill?
Copyright 2012 National Public Radio. To see more, visit www.npr.org.
