Obama Cuts Vacation Short for ‘Fiscal Cliff’ Talks in D.C.

Lawmakers and president have less than a week to come to a deal

President Barack Obama and his family kept their annual Hawaii tradition this Christmas, but the commander-in-chief on Wednesday night will leave his wife and children for more bitter fiscal cliff politics with lawmakers in Washington. Without action by Obama and Congress, automatic budget cuts and tax increase endanger the economy and could push the country back into recession. So far, the president and fickle congressional Republicans have not reached agreement on a way to avert going over the cliff. Both sides seemed to be closer to the middle in negotiations, agreeing that tax increases on the wealthy would need to be a part of the deal. In past holidays, Obama has stayed in his native state until the New Year. First lady Michelle Obama and the first daughters will remain in Hawaii until Jan. 6. (Associated Press)

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