MTP used to be a meaningful interview with actual newspaper journalists. then it became meet the NBC news personality. First Russert now Gregory. Both believe in political equivalency. This means that no matter how lopsided the argument, you give the other side equal status. Gregory asked the President about his responsibility for making the fiscal talks work, as though forgetting that we just had an election supporting the President's position, and proving that the GOP position was extreme. The President can't compromise when the GOP says they will never raise taxes on the wealthy..ever.

I'm somewhat stunned by some of the commentary from the right. It appears the people in power aren't used to seeing anything but their own views expressed.

There was no hard commentary on the greed of the wealthy; No commentary about the (mostly) white males that would benefit most if the president gave in, or the the (mostly) women and children that will find it difficult to make ends meet with the drastic cuts the republicans propose. There was a sad lack of commentary or reference by Gregory's panel on the historic failure of the republican parties theory of economics that resulted in the current economic crisis we are now wading through ; No mention that Social Security has nothing to do with the deficit (by law it can't) and should be separate from these talks.

Yes, those in power, largely older white males, still dominate mainstream media; They still have their views disportionately expressed; And they express anger when other views are mentioned.

These people that are clearly out of touch with the difficulties that the middle class now experiences. The Horatio Alger fantasy that no longer exists. In fact recent studies show you have a better chance of moving up economic ladder in Canada and MOST OF WESTERN EUROPE! The Horatio Alger story left left long ago when corporations - which we created - realized they no longer had to pay a "living wage"; It disappeared when corporations and those in power - including those on David Gregory's panel, failed to balance the quest for profit with the health of our communities.

If the Republicans and the Tea Party think they're being cute right now, they will not think so when the "you know what" hits the fan. The public will become extremely angry with them. Our president has gone public and stated his case. I believe, and I think and, I think most others do, that it is a very powerful case. They're like bad children who play with fire after being told it will hurt them. Everyone will lose money in their IRA's and 401k's, unemployment will end and taxes will increase greatly. For a party which claims they want no new taxes, they sure are screw-ups!

If you want to lose everything you own, continue to support the Republican party!

I have to agree with Thomas 7903, because Soc Security has NOTHING to do with the deficit and it should not be a tool for negotiation. Now you can see clearly, which party, is after that money. Does the Republican party have any scruples left? In my opinion, not one AARP member should vote Republican. They have forced the president to negotiate Soc Sec by behaving like spoiled brats with a small potatoes issue to prove.

Forgot why I usually skip NBC MTP - and why Obama would grant an interview to NBC - Nothing but softballs and fawning. Obama states a 'balanced' approach?? Mr Gregory - can someone please ask the President how $80 Billion in new taxes they way he wants it - leaving $900 Billion in excess spending 'balanced'? Bankruptcy for our country is NOT balanced or helpful to the Middle Class - where I live... The American people deserve better accountability of our press?!

Have to agree with Straight Shooter -- allowing Pres Obama to get away with "balanced" approach regarding the fiscal cliff. $80 Billion of new taxes but not wanting to touch the $900 Billion in excess spending??? Come on.