But the gesture could have broader political ramifications. It was seen by members of both parties as a sign that Mr. Obama, in the wake of what he called his electoral "shellacking," might be willing to tack away from his liberal base in search of compromise with Republicans.
"Going forward, we're going to have to make some additional very tough decisions that this town has put off for a very long time," Mr. Obama said. "And that's what this upcoming week is really about. My hope is that, starting today, we can begin a bipartisan conversation about our future."
On Tuesday, the president will host the first bipartisan meeting of congressional leaders since the election, to try to reach a deal on the future of President George W. Bush's tax cuts, which expire at year's end. Also on Tuesday, the chairmen of the president's bipartisan commission on the federal debt will hold a press conference, a day before the panel's deadline to achieve consensus on a broad plan to tackle the nation's red ink.
Federal Pay Freeze Planned
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