Obama: "irresponsible" to hold up debt talks

In press conference, Obama blasts "professional politicians" for holding up debt limit talks

• Jul 18, 2011

Boehner says Dems not willing to make debt deal

Republican House Speaker says debt ceiling must be raised, but Democrats must get "serious" about entitlement reform, no tax hikes

• Jul 18, 2011

The debt limit fight: A primer

CBSNews.com explains the issues, motivations and politics at play in the high-stakes battle over raising the nation's debt limit

• Jul 18, 2011

McConnell: No real deficit deal until Obama is gone

Kentucky Republican says meaningful deal to reduce the deficit "probably unattainable" as long as Barack Obama is president

• Jul 18, 2011

Obama: No guarantee for Social Security checks

In CBS News interview, President Obama says Social Security checks may not go out Aug. 3 if no deficit deal is struck

• Jul 18, 2011

McConnell unveils debt "back up plan"

Senate Republican leader proposes plan that lets Obama raise debt ceiling unless two-thirds of Congress opposes

• Jul 18, 2011

Winners and Losers in the McConnell back-up plan

There is new optimism in Washington after an unlikely source unveiled a proposal to end the stalemate over the debt ceiling hike

• Jul 18, 2011

Medicare proposes rile AARP, the left

Advocacy groups for seniors and health care, as well as liberal groups, are against changes to Medicare and Social Security discussed in the debt limit talks

• Jul 18, 2011

Wall St. to Washington: Get the debt deal done

In letter, business owners tell lawmakers "now is the time" to pass deal on raising debt limit, say avoiding a default "essential"

• Jul 18, 2011

McConnell: Expect zero GOP votes to raise debt limit

Senate Republican leader says at the end of the day, raising the debt ceiling is too politically toxic to get any GOP votes

• Jul 18, 2011

Boehner: Consequences of default a "crapshoot"

"Nobody wants to go there, because nobody knows what's going to happen. It's a crapshoot," Boehner said

• Jul 18, 2011

Moody's reviewing U.S. bond rating for downgrade

Ratings agency announces it was reviewing America's Aaa bond rating for possible downgrade; could spur action to raise debt ceiling

• Jul 18, 2011

Was it a blow up? Obama, GOP get tense in talks

GOP aide: Most tense budget talks of the week lead to abrupt departure of president; White House denies he stormed out

• Jul 18, 2011

In debt talks, what makes a good "leader"?

Dickerson: The debt limit talks show Washington's rhetoric to be even more empty than usual

• Jul 18, 2011

Graham: We have "nobody to blame but ourselves"

GOP senator says Republicans "made a big deal" about debt limit opposition, now have to deal with consequences

• Jul 18, 2011

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