Obama, Boehner in deal talks bid

US President Barack Obama and Washington’s top Republican, John Boehner, met at the White House yesterday to try to reach a budget deal that would head off steep tax hikes and spending cuts that could push the economy into recession next year.

The 45-minute meeting is a further sign that talks to avert the “fiscal cliff” could be yielding progress after weeks of stalemate.

Boehner — speaker of the Republican-controlled House of Representatives — has edged closer to Obama’s demand to raise taxes on the wealthiest Americans. But the two sides have yet to make headway on tough issues on entitlements.