Obama Warns Of A 'Scrooge Christmas' If Fiscal Cliff Deal Doesn't Get Done
President Barack Obama gave remarks on the looming "fiscal cliff" at a manufacturing facility in Pennsylvania, the same day Republicans are panning his initial offer.
Obama spoke after touring the Rodon Group manufacturing facility in Hatfield Township, which most notably has manufactured more than 30 billion parts for the K'NEX toy company.
“I’ve been keeping my own naughty and nice list in Washington, so you should keep your eye on who gets K’NEX this year," he quipped.
He moved onto the fiscal cliff, which he said was "not some run of the mill debate." He said to expect some "prolonged negotiations."
"All of us are going to have to get out of our comfort zones," Obama said.
Referring to the tax hikes set to take effect on Jan. 2, Obama said they were "sort of like the lump of coal you get for Christmas."
"That's a Scrooge Christmas," he quipped.
Like he did in a press conference in Washington two weeks ago, Obama invoked the idea that he had a "mandate" on raising taxes on incomes above $250,000.
“Understand this was a central question in the election — maybe the central question. You remember! We talked about this a lot."
He urged Congress to act quickly, saying "I've got a bunch of pens ready to sign this bill."
"There are no shortage of pens in the White House," Obama said. He said he walks around with a pen, hoping for the chance to sign something.
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