Full and Frank

Biden releases vanilla statement on meeting with Gang of Six.

VP Pool Report #1:

May 5

Biden pool report 1

Blair House

VPOTUS opened debt talks with six appointed lawmakers at Blair House shortly after 10 a.m. today. The vice president cited "two looming concerns" -- the debt limit, and the "much larger looming issue of the long-term debt." He said all agree that they have to deal with both issues.

He said a major purpose of the first meeting is to "make sure each of us understands where the other guy is coming from." He said "I'm optimistic" but, as a long-time member of Congress, he said he's always optimistic.

Will try to transcribe some more quotes from his brief opening statement momentarily.

At the oval table in a dining room of Blair House were:

Sens. Baucus, Inouye and Kyl

Reps. Cantor, Clyburn and Van Hollen

Geithner, Lew and Sperling

Also in the room: Nabors, Furman, Bruce Reed

NOTE: For those interested in a stakeout, there will be a gather inside the NW Gate around 11:30 a.m. But veep staff warns there are no plans for remarks on way out.