. >> it is interesting to me that in all public polling, you don't see john bain of becoming a lightning rod. he is doing what a leader is supposed to do. he is basically behind-the- scenes operating. he may not be a nobel prize winner for his intellect, but he is actively enormously successful in the balancing act with his majority and the federal government has not closed down. if it does, i think it is a failure. but he managed to walk the tightrope. >> he has a new members to have to deal with, some of whom not willing to compromise. >> in an exclusive interview with "the wall street journal on thursday, john boehner across the third whale -- third rail. he said he is determined to submit a budget this spring that does reduce the social security and medicare spending. which is more than has been forthcoming from the administration at any point that i can say. or anybody else and a position of leadership. he said, i know this is going to be tough, but it is up to us. also said at the same time -- a warning shot to his own caucus -- responsibility to pass the debt ceiling. we have to d