Today’s Times
- One of President Obama’s comments turned calamitous on Thursday when some people accused him of being sexist for saying that Kamala Harris, the California attorney general, is the “best-looking attorney general in the country.†He called her on Thursday night to apologize, Michael D. Shear reports.
- Neither Republicans nor Democrats were excited about reports that Mr. Obama would unveil a budget similar to the compromise offer he made last year - cuts to entitlement programs in exchange for new revenues from tax increases, Michael D. Shear reports. The sharp reaction from both sides demonstrates how little space there is in Washington for a bipartisan deal when it comes to tax and spending issues.
- Senator Marco Rubio, Republican of Florida, is writing legislation with a bipartisan group of lawmakers that would overhaul the nation’s immigration laws. But some on Capitol Hill are wondering if he will even sign onto the bill. Mr. Rubio has begun to sound nervous when it comes to the legislation, and given the disdain some conservatives reserve for Republicans who consort publicly with Democrats, he has reason to be, Ashley Parker writes.
 Weekly Address
- President Obama said in this week’s address that he is doing everything he can to “reignite the engine of America’s growth: a rising, thriving middle class.†He will send a budget to Congress next week that he calls a blueprint for middle-class jobs and growth, one that will reduce deficits while investing in the economy. “It’s a budget that doesn’t spend beyond our means. And it’s a budget that doesn’t make harsh and unnecessary cuts that only serve to slow our economy. We’ll keep our promise to an aging generation by shoring up Medicare. And we’ll keep our promise to the next generation by investing in the fundamentals that have always made America strong,†he said. “Because that’s what it’ll take to make sure America remains strong in the years ahead - and to leave behind something better for our kids.â€
