substantive difference between the reid plan and original boehner plan which have similar cuts, the boehner plan is a short-term plan. it seeks to embarrass the president and put him on the hot seat before the 2012 elections. >> they are getting their house in order, that's all. >> the reid plan provides them to get past the 2012 elections and gives us a better chance preserving that aaa rating. that is the sticking point. i suspect the purpose of this meeting is two things. first to demonstrate yes the president is engaged. yes, he is well aware of what is going on and involved in these negotiations. senator reid probably does want to get a feel for what exactly, what room do i have to negotiate for the republicans? >> crystal, let me -- for the president to say he would sign harry reid's bill doesn't mean anything. it's already been rejected in the house. you have 43 republicans standing strong against it. >> you're right.