FILE - This Jan. 14, 2013 file photo shows President Barack Obama speakig in the East Room of the White House in Washington. President Barack Obama is tightening the political screws on congressional ... more 

FILE - This Jan. 14, 2013 file photo shows President Barack Obama speakig in the East Room of the White House in Washington. President Barack Obama is tightening the political screws on congressional Republicans on issues where he feels he has more leverage, chiefly the debt ceiling and immigration. By taking a more hardline stance, the usually accommodating Obama is gambling that public opinion is on his side, and Republicans will have to yield. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster, File) less