Leaders Tee Off In 'Golf Summit'

The Associated Press reports:

President Barack Obama drove the cart and House Speaker John Boehner celebrated a short putt during their much anticipated golf outing Saturday at a military base outside the nation's capital.

Vice President Joe Biden earned the commander in chief's approval when he sank a 15-to-20 foot putt on the first hole, a par five, at Joint Base Andrews.

"Did you all catch that?" Obama shouted to reporters gathered near the green.

The president sent his putt just past the hole before tapping in. Boehner, considered one of Washington's best golfers, gave a hearty "Oh yeah!" after draining a short putt.

Obama, who's not in Boehner's links league, patted the speaker on the back as they headed toward the second hole, the president driving their cart.

Aides say the time that Obama and Boehner are spending on the course could help improve a relationship that's respectful, but hardly close.

But 18 holes probably won't give them enough time to hash out their policy differences on everything from the debt to the U.S. military involvement in Libya.

The outing comes against the backdrop of negotiations between the White House and Congress over a long-term deficit reduction plan that will set the stage for increasing the amount of money the government can borrow.

Republicans have insisted on significant cuts of about $2 trillion over 10 years or 12 years before agreeing to increase the current $14.3 debt ceiling, which the government says it will surpass Aug. 2.