>> the president says his plan contains tough choices and sacrifices. why do you think he is not doing his job? given the fact that this has to go back and forth? i remember you once saying that the president ought to say, come on, show me what you got, republicans. you've been saying it. so let's see you do it. isn't that what he's doing? >> i think the president is scared. >> of what? >> i think he's going to try to call the republicans' bluff. well, he doesn't -- >> yes. >> he doesn't want to be the one attacked for talking about cutting social security, medicare and medicaid. so just like any other politician in washington, d.c., he is -- when it comes to touching these three programs, he's a cowered politically. and it's impacting republicans on the hill who are cowards politically as well. while this country economically burns, they're doing absolutely nothing. >> but wouldn't you say this is an opportunity for the republicans who have been talking about this for two years