Talks on Deficit Reduction Faltering

White House talks with Senate Republicans not going anywhere

White House talks with centrist Senate Republicans on a deficit grand bargain are alive but on life support, according to several participants.

"It's not even limping along," Sen. Bob Corker (R-Tenn.) said of the talks. "For that you would have to have a process in place."

Corker acknowledged he talked with White House Chief of Staff Denis McDonough about raising the $16.4 trillion debt ceiling as recently as Saturday night, but said discussions have yet to get beyond the big picture.

Sen. Johnny Isakson (R-Ga.) likewise said it would be a mistake to think the talks are over.