Post date: Dec 27, 2012 3:7:56 PM
Leaving his wife Michelle and two daughters behind, Obama's getting ready for a crucial budget deadline - with the White House and Republicans still far apart.
In one sign of hope, Speaker John Boehner has urged the Democrat-controlled Senateto avoid the so called fiscal cliff.
He's offered to at least consider any bill the upper chamber produces.
The President was due in the White House on Thursday morning.