The Obama administration continues to rule out the prospect of cuts to Social Security and Medicare benefits under a bipartisan budget deal. At the White House, Press Secretary Jay Carney was asked about President Obama’s campaign vows to protect Social Security.

Reporter: “President Obama in 2008, in a taped addressed to AARP, said 'John McCain’s campaign has suggested that the best answer for the growing pressures on Social Security might be to cut cost-of-living adjustments or raise the retirement age. Let me be clear: I will not do either.' Is that a promise that has gone by the bye, at least regarding cost-of-living adjustments?”

Jay Carney: “Again, I will not get into the specifics of ideas that have been considered. What I will say is that the President has been willing to get outside of his comfort zone to discuss different measures.”