President Obama insists on $250,000 ceiling for tax cut extension, unemployment extension

This afternoon’s meeting between President Obama and the leaders of the House and Senate was closed to the press, and the principal players left quietly. Their aides are beginning to let the details leak, though, and it seems that the slack the president was prepared to give has disappeared. That’s what you get for cutting into his Hawaiian vacation.

The upper limit on the extension of the Bush tax cuts appears to be back at its starting point of $250,000. House Speaker John Boehner had caved on tax hikes on Dec. 15 by offering tax hikes on those making more than $1 million, and two days later, the White House had suggested $400,000.

To #fiscalcliff diarists, WH meeting ended at 4:15 pm. Obama did not move from $250K income tax threshold. GOPers sought higher threshold.

— Major Garrett (@MajorCBS) December 28, 2012

POTUS also told McConnell/Boehner he needs extension of benefits for 2 million out of work for 6 months. Aid starts ending tomorrow.

— Major Garrett (@MajorCBS) December 28, 2012

Obama told McConnell/Boehner counter-offer must be able to pass Senate & House or they should fold. Pelosi says McConnell/Reid will try.

— Major Garrett (@MajorCBS) December 28, 2012

In #fiscalcliff WH meeting, am told McConnell/Boehner agreed to extend jobless benefits. Sticking point is income level for higher taxes.

— Major Garrett (@MajorCBS) December 28, 2012

President holding firm on higher tax rates for everyone $250K+, @CNBC reports. Last week, POTUS offered $400K, so a tougher line today

— West Wing Reports (@WestWingReport) December 28, 2012

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POTUS also (per @CNBC) insists on extension of unemployment insurance for 2 mil. people. Wants up or down vote, unless GOP has counteroffer

— West Wing Reports (@WestWingReport) December 28, 2012

These tweets give a pretty good indication of where the players stand.

Fiscal talks conclude as Obama makes no new offer http://t.co/wPPeCoUW

— Domenico Montanaro (@DomenicoNPR) December 28, 2012

Pelosi said WH meeting was constructive and added, "I think it moved us forward"

— Ed Henry (@edhenry) December 28, 2012

"There was not a lot of hilarity in the meeting." — Harry Reid, on the WH meeting on the fiscal cliff.

— Jennifer Bendery (@jbendery) December 28, 2012

President Obama is scheduled to speak to the press at 5:45 p.m. Keep checking Twitchy for coverage.