“If a clean debt limit bill is passed, he would likely sign it,” Carney said.
The spokesman resisted the suggestion that signing such a bill would force the president into negotiating with Republicans while the government was shuttered.
...are conflating statements.
This is the President's statement from last night:
THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 9, 2013
Readout of the President’s Meeting with the House Democratic Caucus
Today, the President met with the House Democratic Caucus at the White House. The meeting lasted over an hour. The President thanked the House Democrats for their support of the clean, short-term continuing resolution that would re-open the government and end the unnecessary pain this shutdown is causing families across the country. The President and Congressional Democrats will continue to urge the Republican Leadership to allow the bill passed by the Senate to have an up or down vote -- a bill that, if brought to the floor, would pass with a bipartisan majority and end this damaging government shutdown. The President and the House Democrats reaffirmed their shared belief that we cannot let one faction of the Republicans in the House demand a ransom for Congress doing its job and paying the bills we have already incurred. The President discussed his desire, once the threat of default is removed and the government is reopened, to engage with both sides on a discussion of how we achieve a broader budget agreement that puts job creation, economic growth, and a strong middle class front and center. The President is grateful to the members of the House Democratic caucus for continuing to promote those policies we need to achieve a better bargain for the middle class. He reminded them that what they are all fighting for has nothing to do with him, or other party leaders - but is about fighting for working families and building the ladders of opportunity so everyone who works hard has a chance to succeed.
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2013/10/09/1245787/-Readout-of-President-Obama-s-meeting-with-House-Democratic-caucusThis is what Carney said today:
Carney: Obama 'Happy' That House Is Willing To Raise Debt Limit
President Barack Obama is pleased that Republicans at least seem willing to raise the debt ceiling, if only for a short period, instead of threatening the full faith and credit of the U.S., White House press secretary Jay Carney said Thursday.
Asked about a new House GOP proposal that would extend the debt limit by six-week period, but sustain a government shutdown, Carney sounded an optimistic note but stressed that the administration would need to see the actual bill.
"The president is happy that at least cooler heads seem to be prevailing in House," Carney told reporters at a daily press conference.
“The president strongly prefers a longer term solution," Carney added. "We'll see what the House Republicans propose and see what they are able to pass."
http://talkingpointsmemo.com/livewire/carney-obama-happy-that-house-is-backing-away-from-default
Sure, he's happy they're changing position, but let's see what they propose.
http://www.democraticunderground.com/10023817461
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