Biden changes tune on McCarthy relationship amid GOP advantage in debt ceiling battle.

Biden Takes a Softer Stance on McCarthy Ahead of Debt Ceiling Negotiations

President Joe Biden has refrained from attacking House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) ahead of a crucial meeting over the debt ceiling next week. In his first interview since announcing his reelection bid, Biden called McCarthy “an honest man” and suggested that the Republican leader is being forced into tough positions by other members of his party.

A Shift in Attitude

This marks a shift in attitude by Biden, who has often used the debt ceiling to criticize McCarthy’s leadership and undercut his position in the House. As the two have sparred over the debt ceiling, Biden has repeatedly accused McCarthy of holding the economy “hostage” by tying the debt ceiling to his fiscal budget proposal.

Stalled Negotiations

Negotiations on the debt ceiling have long remained stalled inside the halls of Congress as both parties have refused to budge in order to come to a compromise. Now, government leaders are scrambling to avoid a default on the country’s loans after Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen issued a warning that Congress has just under a month until the United States will be unable to make payments if lawmakers don’t take action.

What’s Next?

The meeting between Biden and McCarthy will mark the first time they have discussed the debt ceiling since February. As Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) said, “There is no solution in the Senate…The president and the speaker need to reach an agreement to get us past this impasse.” It remains to be seen whether either bill will come to the floor for a vote, and a decision will come after leaders meet with Biden on Tuesday.

Key Takeaways:

• Biden refrains from attacking McCarthy ahead of debt ceiling negotiations
• Negotiations on the debt ceiling have long remained stalled inside the halls of Congress
• The meeting between Biden and McCarthy will mark the first time they have discussed the debt ceiling since February