Obama Not Confident Automatic Budget Cuts Can Be Avoided

Needs a deal by March 1

(Reuters)—President Barack Obama expressed doubt on Thursday that a deal can be struck with Republican lawmakers by a March 1 deadline to head off the start of $85 billion in spending cuts.

His comments, made in an interview with radio talk show host Al Sharpton, suggested the White House was preparing for the possibility the March 1 deadline will pass with no deal.