7:25 a.m. E.T.

Friday’s signs for optimism: Obama-Boehner talks streamline the process; business makes clear it wants a deal; symbolism of DeMint departure; some finding Obama’s Thursday public statement soothing.

Friday’s signs for pessimism: White House’s Nabors on the Hill let’s Republicans know the President is holding firm; various far-fetched schemes get shot down; Reid-McConnell conflict; too many people still blasé about going over the cliff.