Obama, Hill Leaders to Meet: Taxes, Treaty on Tap

Obama said Monday he hopes the session "will mark a first step toward a new and productive working relationship, because we now have a shared responsibility to deliver for the American people on the issues that define not only these times but our future."

Despite their political gains, Republicans approached Tuesday's session with some apprehension. Presidents typically gain a public relations advantage by inviting leaders of the opposition party to the White House.

Many Republicans still bristle at the healthcare summit that Obama called last February. Democrats got more time to make their case than Republicans, and the session yielded no Democratic compromises. [Check out a roundup of political cartoons on Democrats.]

Cantor accused Obama of engaging in "class warfare." ''This country is about making sure everyone has a fair shot," he said in an interview.

Republicans applauded Obama's announcement on the pay freeze. But traditional Democratic allies, including the AFL-CIO, denounced it as shortsighted.

Cantor was interviewed on CBS's "The Early Show" and NBC's "Today" program and McCain appeared on ABC.

• Read the U.S. News debate: Should the United States ratify the New START Treaty? 
• Check out a roundup of political cartoons on Democrats and on Republicans.
  
• Follow the money in Congress.

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