Obama Caucuses with GOP?!?

Wait, what?

The Republican congressional caucus invited President Obama to a conclave in Baltimore today. And Obama went!

He was peppered with tough questions on jobs, public debt, and healthcare, among many other issues. And he answered them! Candidly!

Yeah, there were some jibes back and forth. But overall it was a civil meeting, where both sides got to stake their positions and air their grievances about the other side's methods. It was stunning to watch even the condensed episode on PBS's Newshour this evening.

Look, I've been pretty tough on both the President and the entire Congress. But Obama showed serious stones to walk into that group.

Mongol respect Sheriff Bart.

I highly recommend viewing the full version if you have an hour...

That's With a "T"

Let's see, total debt north of 12 trillion. Receipts around 2 to 2-1/2 trill. Expenditures at 3-1/2 t. Treasure wantonly squandered.

Figures on U.S. government spending & debt below (last six digits are eliminated).

Total public debt subject to limit Jan. 22  12,245,872

Statutory debt limit                        12,394,000

Total public debt outstanding Jan. 22       12,302,465

Operating balance Jan. 22                      142,454

Interest fiscal year 2009                      383,365

Interest fiscal year 2008                      451,154

Deficit fiscal year 2009                     1,417,121

Deficit fiscal year 2008                       454,798

Receipts fiscal year 2009                    2,104,613

Receipts fiscal year 2008                    2,523,642

Outlays fiscal year 2009                     3,521,734

Outlays fiscal year 2008                     2,978,440

Gold assets in September                        11,041

Source: Associated Press