Biden's whole new gang of six

The deficit negotiators being brought together by Vice President Joe Biden on May 5 have strong opposing views on how to deal with the national debt and have each hurled a lot of rhetoric on the issue. This has led many to conclude the "Biden Commission" talks face an uphill climb.

Originally proposed by President Obama as a 16-member commission led by Biden, six lawmakers have been appointed to work on a debt-reduction plan.

The contrast between the new commission, made up of three senators and three House members, and the existing Gang of Six senators, who have emphasized a need to embrace compromises on spending cuts, entitlement reforms and tax policy changes, is strong.

But Bob Bixby of the Concord Coalition points out the Biden gang members all have deep roots in the leadership and this could bode well for a deal.

“This is not the personnel that I would pick for a deficit panel,” he said. “They are the people who are going to have to bless some sort of agreement.”

Some of the members have sounded more conciliatory notes than others on coming up with a deal.

Click each name to see where the lawmaker stands on debt and deficit issues:
Sens. Baucus | Inouye | Kyl
Reps. Cantor | Clyburn | Van Hollen

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