Today, Barack Obama gave a speech detailing his approach to deficit reduction, offering a contrast to the “Path of Prosperty” that Congressman Paul Ryan proposed last month. Obama’s plan includes both cuts in military spending and tax increases for the wealthiest Americans (something the Republicans don’t seem to be able to stomach).

Republicans seem more hell-bent on pushing their social agenda than honestly reducing the deficit, and if Obama’s proven anything since taking office, it’s what a lousy negotiator he is …

It’s tough to hear Obama talk seriously about cutting the budget. Since coming into office, Obama has been forced to deal with a massive recession and job loss, as well as a massive deficit he inherited from his predecessors. As a result, he’s been up to his big ears in red ink…

Meanwhile, Republicans have no problems cutting money from the budget, as long as it has nothing to do with the military or rich folks…

Republicans’ favorite target recently has been civil servants with their outrageous $50,000 salaries. The billions Wall Street has fleeced out of the economy and the middle class over the last decade doesn’t seem to bother them much…

At least that’s something they share with Obama…

… despite their claims …