Obama is flexing his leverage on debt, immigration

FILE - This Jan. 14, 2013 file photo shows President Barack Obama speakig in the East Room of the White House in Washington. President Barack Obama is tightening the political screws on congressional Republicans on issues where he feels he has more leverage, chiefly the debt ceiling and immigration. By taking a more hardline stance, the usually accommodating Obama is gambling that public opinion is on his side, and Republicans will have to yield. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster, File)

By CHARLES BABINGTON

Associated Press / January 16, 2013

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After voters chiefly blamed Republicans for a partial government shutdown in the mid-1990s, during a budget quarrel with President Bill Clinton, some GOP leaders swore never to take that route again.

But House Speaker John Boehner said this week that Republicans will insist on spending cuts that Democrats oppose, and they will reject tax hikes Obama seeks. The two parties are on a collision course, again.

Republicans openly laugh at the president’s refusal to negotiate. Obama, in turn, is almost daring Republicans to carry their threats to the end.

The Republican policy on taxes and spending, he said Monday, ‘‘was rejected by the American people when it was debated during the presidential campaign.’’

Obama is less aggressive on issues, including climate change, where public opinion is divided and full-blown national debates have yet to take place. On deficit-spending policy and issues important to Hispanics, however, November’s election gave him new leverage.

‘‘Republicans are in a double bind over the debt and immigration,’’ said Democratic strategist Doug Hattaway. ‘‘If Republicans cause a debt default and block immigration reform, they will have severely damaged the party’s prospects for recovery from the thrashing they took in November.’’