. >> joseph schatz, you mentioned, sir, what's going on in one layer and perhaps a sublayer what's going on below the surface. what are the meetings taking place? the president's schedule is fairly open today. are we expecting to see him get together with house or senate leaders? >> guest: i don't think we'll see that today. the president met with congressional leaders almost every day last week. and, you know, said that they were going to meet every day until they got a deal. but, of course, the last time they actually met was thursday so, you know, the hopes for a grand deal out of the white house has dimmed quite a bit. and as a result, the house is going forward with this vote. senate republicans are trying to get a vote on the cut cap balance plan as well, as well as the cuts to the balanced budget amendment. after those votes are done then we'll see the real negotiating begin. i don't think you'll see any white house meetings today but once the house has acted on this plan, i think you'll see more movement in the senate towards the compromise. senator mitch mcconnell, the minority