Federal Budget

SHOT -- "Obama budget to get serious with deficit-Lew," by Reuters' Alister Bull and Jeff Mason: "Obama ... will deliver his budget proposal on Feb. 14 and fighting the deficit ... will be a big part of that plan, White House Office of Management and Budget Director Jack Lew told Reuters. ... Lew said the coming budget will lay out a pivot to deficit control after the last two years were spent pushing for economic growth. ... 'There definitely will be items that are familiar from the deficit commission' in the budget, he said. 'The president's made clear he hasn't embraced it in its entirety. He's looked to it and taken ideas from it.'" http://reut.rs/gweSSn

--CHASER - "Happy Talk," by Slate's John Dickerson: "Last year he promised America a tough conversation about cutting the deficit. ... Now, instead of tough talk, the president is offering stirring slogans. 'Win the future' was the theme of his State of the Union address. ... 'Startup America' was unveiled Monday to encourage entrepreneurs. ... The president has decided that he'll let Republicans be the dour ones. ... Short and sharp is what is needed to rebut Captain Win the Future. So far, the [GOP] message needs some work." http://slate.me/gPrT67