Obama And Cantor Joust

By Kenneth R. Bazinet

President Obama and House GOP leader Eric Cantor locked horns in what was described as a contentious meeting at the White House late yesterday that ended in President Obama leaving the room.

Cantor told reporters Obama became “agitated” when the Virginia Republican suggested a short-term deal, prompting the President to warned him not to “call my bluff.” 

Obama, who has firmly stated he will not accept a short-term deal, then pushed away from the table and left the meeting.

“I know why he lost his temper,” Cantor said. “He’s frustrated. We’re all frustrated.”

 Obama aides later reportedly described Cantor’s explanation “overblown.”

The testy parlay today, however, will not keep the negotiators from meeting again tomorrow back at the White House for the fourth straight day.

Read more from Kenneth R. Bazinet at the Baz File