Obama Defends “Stark Choice” on Tax Deal

At Tues. presser, president reiterates he was unable to get "preferred option" through Senate, but is "not willing" to see middle-class families "get harmed" in order to prolong tax fight.

And: Says permanent breaks for wealthiest Americans still his "line in the sand."

Highlights from Obama presser:

"This is the public option debate all over again."

Obama faced "stark choice" on tax deal since Republicans were "unwilling to budge."

"I'm not here to play games with the American people or the health of our economy."

This isn't an "abstract debate," but "real money for real people."

"The issue isn't persuading the American people... I haven't persuaded the Republican Party."

Obama calls tax breaks for wealthiest Americans the GOP's "Holy Grail" and "central economic doctrine."

President "not willing" to see middle-class families "get harmed" in order to prolong tax fight.