US Republicans and Obama in ‘useful’ debt crisis talks

Republican House Speaker John Boehner: “A good faith effort on our part to move halfway on what he has demanded”

Both sides described the 90-minute meeting as useful but said no decision was made. They agreed to keep talking.

Republicans have offered the president a short-term debt limit increase to stave off default.

A new poll suggests the majority of Americans blame the Republicans for the partial shutdown of government.

A Wall Street Journal/NBC News poll suggests 53% of Americans blame the Republicans for the crisis, compared with 31% who say the Democrats are responsible.

'Defining parameters'
“It was a very adult conversation,” said Republican Hal Rogers of the meeting. “Both sides said they were there in good faith.”

House Majority leader Eric Cantor called the meeting “very useful” and said the talks were continuing.

The White House said in a statement: “The president looks forward to making continued progress with members on both sides of the aisle.”

Officials have warned the US risks default on 17 October if the nation's borrowing limit is not increased.

Republicans have offered to extend the government's borrowing authority beyond the deadline, temporarily putting off a default.

In return they want Mr Obama to further negotiate on the budget dispute that has partially closed the government – the first shutdown for 17 years.

It is not clear if Republicans are willing to drop entirely their attempts to defund or delay Mr Obama's 2010 healthcare law.

Leading Republican Pete Sessions said the two sides were working on “defining parameters to see if we can make progress”.

Earlier, House of Representatives Speaker John Boehner said Republicans had told Mr Obama they wanted “a temporary increase in the debt ceiling” followed by talks on “a way forward to reopen the government.”

“It's time for leadership,” the Ohio Republican said. “It's time for these negotiations and this conversation to begin.”