White House Press Briefing (4/11/11): "We cannot play chicken with the economy"

Dominating the discussion Monday afternoon was talk of the looming debt ceiling debate on capitoal hill. Republican lawmakers have threatened they will refuse to raise the debt ceiling without substantial spending cuts. The White House sees raising the debt ceiling as imperative to sustaining the U.S. economic recovery.

Press Secretary, Jay Carney, made it clear that the White House strongly believes failure to raise the debt ceiling would be very dangerous for the U.S. economy. In other words, according to Carney, "We cannot play chicken with the economy."

Points of Interest:

- First Lady and Dr. Jill Biden to launch initiative to support military families on April 12, 2011

- White House glad to see Gbagbo arrested, has maintained he is not the legitimate president of Ivory Coast

- White House response to rejected Libyan cease fire: Action matters, not words. Implementation of UN Security Resolution 1973 will continue as long as necessary

- White House says Rep. Paul Ryan's budget plan fails balance test because it seeks dramatic reform to security programs for the poor, elderly and disabled, but gives enormous tax relief to wealthiest Americans

- National Security Advisor, Tom Donilon, will travel to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, will discuss UAE participation in UN Resolution 1973

- President will approach deficit reduction the same way he approached the continuing budget resolution, will focus on, and does not wish to jeopardize, economic growth and job creation