Obama Makes Direct Appeal On Deficit Cut

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Barack Obama is appealing directly to the public Saturday in hopes of influencing a deficit reduction deal that failed to materialize during White House talks.

Obama Talks About The Deficit In Radio, Internet Address

In his weekly radio and Internet address, Obama pushed for a package of spending cuts and tax increases that Republicans oppose.

But Obama says, "We have to ask everyone to play their part because we are all part of the same country."

Obama says the wealthiest Americans must "pay their fair share." He says lawmakers must act in everyone's best interests.

But as a critical Aug. 2 deadline approaches, the chances that Obama will get $4 trillion or even $2 trillion in deficit reduction are fading.

A bipartisan Senate backup plan is seen as having a better chance than a House GOP version which would require passage of a balanced budget amendment to the Constitution.

Meantime, Utah Sen. Orrin Hatch says that passing a balanced budget amendment to the Constitution would make the country healthy again and safe from any big-spending president now or in the future.

Utah Sen. Orrin Hatch Gives Republican Address

Hatch blamed Democrats for failing to embrace adequate budget cuts.

(© Copyright 2011 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)