Obama heads out for bipartisan golf game

A little drizzle won't stop the president's outreach.

Despite it being a rainy, gray Monday in Washington, President Barack Obama is playing a bipartisan round of golf at Andrews Air Force Base with select members of the Senate. Republican Sens. Bob Corker of Tennessee and Saxby Chambliss of Georgia, and Democratic Sen. Mark Udall of Colorado are accompanying him.

Obama has been reaching out of late to members of the Senate over meetings and dinners at the White House, as well as out in the District, as gun control, immigration and budget debates play out in Washington.

"He's looking to get things done, and he wants to talk to anyone who has that as his or her objective," White House press secretary Jay Carney said at Monday's briefing. "Partisan purists are not what he's looking for."

Carney added, "He's looking for partners anywhere he can find them, including on the 8th hole."

The press secretary wouldn't speculate on the exact topics expected to be covered, saying a "range" of issues will be discussed.

Many Republicans have routinely criticized the president for playing golf. It remains to be seen whether Obama's Republican guests will stave off criticism of Monday's game.