@revelette,
It's not a bluff; it's his way to open the door to negotiate with the GOP, but he's a bit naive to think they will play fairly.
Cutting taxes have not produced jobs as promised by the GOP, and they want more tax cuts for the wealthy. They are on the road to decimate most government programs including social security, Medicare, and Medical - the last bastion of security for the majority of Americans.
Why the GOP continues to get support from the American people is a mystery with no answer. They must be masochists who love pain and starvation.
Unemployment continues to increase, because public employment at all levels of government are being cut - including teachers.
They will destroy this country; it's only a matter of time.
Look at what's happening to our infrastructure. No economy can maintain itself or grow when a country's infrastructure isn't maintained. That's Econ 101.