President Barack Obama gestures as he speaks to workers about the economy during a visit to Daimler Detroit Diesel in Redford, Mich., Monday, Dec. 10, 2012. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
President Barack Obama gestures as he speaks to workers about the economy during a visit to Daimler Detroit Diesel in Redford, Mich., Monday, Dec. 10, 2012. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
FILE - This Nov. 16, 2012 file photo shows President Barack Obama shaking hands with House Speaker John Boehner of Ohio in the Roosevelt Room of the White House in Washington, during a meeting to discuss the deficit and economy. Congress and the White House can significantly soften the initial impact of the fiscal cliff even if they fail to reach a compromise by Dec. 31. One thing they cannot control, however, is the financial markets' reaction, which possibly could be a panicky sell-off that triggers economic reversals worldwide. The stock market's unpredictability is perhaps the biggest wild card in the political showdown over the fiscal cliff. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster, File)
President Barack Obama walks with Plant Manager and Vice President of Operations Jeff Allen, left, and UAW NW Local 163 Detroit Diesel Engine Unit Shop Chairperson Mark "Gibby" Gibson, right, during a visit to the Daimler Detroit Diesel plant in Redford, Mich., Monday, Dec. 10, 2012. (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak)
President Barack Obama gestures as he speaks to workers about the economy during a visit to Daimler Detroit Diesel in Redford, Mich., Monday, Dec. 10, 2012. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
WASHINGTON — A year-end deadline approaching, negotiations to avoid an economy-rattling “fiscal cliff” appeared at a standstill Monday. Republicans pressed President Barack Obama to name specific spending cuts he will support, while the White House insisted the GOP agree explicitly to raise tax rates on …
