Clinton: Gingrich Overstating Role In Balancing Budget

Former President Bill Clinton accused his former adversary Newt Gingrich Tuesday of overstating his involvement in balancing the federal budget during the 90s.

When asked during an interview on NBC, Clinton explained that the major contributing factor for the surplus was opposed by then-Speaker Gingrich.

“I had a decent working relationship with him,” Clinton said. “But the vast lion’s share of balancing the budget was done in the budget of 1993 that he led the opposition to.”

Clinton did acknowledge however that the two politicians successfully crafted five budgets that “worked out pretty well for the American people.”

The interview can be seen here.

White House Shrugs Off Complaint From Payroll Group

White House Press Secretary Jay Carney told reporters Tuesday that President Obama isn’t worried about potential issues stemming from how to implement a short-term payroll tax cut extension.

In a letter this week to both the House and Senate Ways and Means Committees, the National Payroll Reporting Consortium, an independent payroll processing trade organization, said it might not be possible to make a two-month continuation of the two percent tax cut work.

“With the first of January now only two weeks away and payroll departments trying to meet year-end compliance mandates and reconciliation, there simply is insufficient time to implement this major change in withholding requirements,” wrote NPRC President Pete Isberg.

When asked about the letter during today’s briefing, Carney acknowledged the group’s concern, but said that Obama “is committed to asking his administration to work with American businesses to overcome whatever complications this might cause.”

“He’d rather do that…then ask Americans to spend the holidays worrying about how they’re gonna deal with $1,000 less next year,” Carney added.

Obama Sends Hanukkah Message

President Barack Obama issued the following statement Tuesday marking the start of Hanukkah:

“Michelle and I send our warmest wishes to all those celebrating Hanukkah around the world. 

This Hanukkah season we remember the powerful story of a band of believers who rose up and freed their people, only to discover that the oil left in their desecrated temple – which should have been enough for only one night – ended up lasting for eight.

It’s a timeless story of right over might and faith over doubt – one that has given hope to Jewish people everywhere for over 2,000 years.  And tonight, as families and friends come together to light the menorah, it is a story that reminds us to count our blessings, to honor the sacrifices of our ancestors, and to believe that through faith and determination, we can work together to build a brighter, better world for generations to come.

From our family to the Jewish Community around the world, Chag Sameach.”

Poll: GOP Frontrunners Tied With Obama

GOP frontrunners Mitt Romney and Newt Gingrich both hold a statistical tie with President Obama in a hypothetical 2012 matchup, according to a new Gallup/USA Today poll.

With a 4-point margin of error, Both Republicans score 48 percent while President Barack Obama comes in with 50 percent.

The data shows an improvement in Gingrich’s general election standing. In a previous Gallup poll released exactly one week ago, Obama held a 6-point lead over Gingrich at 44 to 50 percent.

The poll was conducted between December 15^th and 18^th among 1,019 Americans.

A separate survey released Monday by the agency shows that Gingrich’s lead over the GOP field has subsided. Now, the former House Speaker statistically ties with Romney at 26 to 24 percent. The new data reflects an 11 point drop for Gingrich from December 5^th.

Hoyer Blasts Tea Party Politics As Payroll Vote Looms

By Tim Young

House Minority Whip Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) blamed tea party politics Monday for threatening the extension of payroll relief.

Speaking to reporters, Hoyer described the current session of Congress as the  “most unproductive Tea Party dominated partisan session of Congress in which [he] has participated.”

Hoyer quoted four Republican Senators who seem to be in agreement with him, Senator Richard Lugar (R-IN), Senator Scott Brown (R-MA), Senator Dean Heller (R-NV), and Senator Olympia Snowe (R-ME).

In the absence of a year-long deal over payroll relief, the Senate voted with an overwhelming majority Saturday in favor of a two-month extension. House Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) initially signaled his support for the compromise, but ultimately changed his mind after an apparent rebellion from rank-and-file Republicans. A vote on the Senate version is still expected to take place Monday evening, but the likelihood of it passing is in severe doubt.

Hoyer described the looming vote as the last chance Congress will have to extend payroll relief before the holidays.

“We’re going to determine if there will be a Happy New Year,” Hoyer said.