US President Barack Obama stressed Friday that he believes a political compromise is still possible to keep drastic austerity measures from kicking in at year's end, dpa reported.
He described himself as "still ready and willing to get a comprehensive package done" to avert the so-called fiscal cliff of tax hikes and spending cuts that threaten to derail the US economy. He also signalled a willingness to consider a partial measure that could phase in longer term solutions.
Obama urged lawmakers headed home for the Christmas holiday to think about the need for action while spending time with their families and enjoying traditions such as Christmas cookies and egg nog.
"Nobody can get 100 per cent of what they want, and this is not simply a contest between parties of who looks good and who doesn't."