Members-Only Article

Does the White House Need to Restate Its Refusal to Negotiate the Debt Ceiling?

UNITED STATES - FEBRUARY 2: President Joe Biden, Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., attend the National Prayer Breakfast in the Capitol Visitor Center on... UNITED STATES - FEBRUARY 2: President Joe Biden, Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., attend the National Prayer Breakfast in the Capitol Visitor Center on Thursday, February 2, 2023. (Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images) MORE LESS

By Josh Marshall

February 3, 2023 2:29 p.m.

THE BACKCHANNEL

FREE EDITION

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.

Your subscription has been successful.

NEW!

A FREE email newsletter from Josh Marshall An email newsletter from Josh Marshall

It seems like the White House may have some clarifying to do about just what came out of this week’s first meeting between President Biden and Speaker McCarthy. The statement from the White House seemed pretty clear. They’re ready, eager to negotiate budget issues separate from the debt ceiling, which has to be passed without conditions. This I think has always been the actual and proper position and the one I noted back on Monday was worth reiterating.

This is a members-only article

Small Team. Big Results.

We’re proud of what our small newsroom has accomplished and it’s not hyperbole when we say that without our members, none of this would be possible.

Become a TPM Member

Free memberships available for students and those experiencing financial hardship.

Already a member? SIGN IN