Shutdown Day 17: Dems disagree on definition of negotiating

(Roll Call) The White House went on the offensive Monday in what likely will be a prolonged battle with congressional Democrats arguing the party refuses to seriously negotiate an end to a partial government shutdown and readying a presidential public relations blitz. As Democratic leaders and rank-and-file members continue blasting the Trump administration accusing it of being dug in and unwilling to move from President Donald Trumps demand for $5.7 billion for a southern border wall the White House is doing what it often does: Punching back. First came word of a presidential visit Thursday to the U.S.-Mexico border to meet with federal law enforcement personnel. Then the White House announced Trumps first Oval Office prime-time address on Tuesday night to discuss what the administration says is a crisis" at the border. The White House also deployed Trumps designated lead negotiators in talks with senior Democratic congressional aides for an hourlong discussion with reporters: Vice President Mike Pence Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen and White House adviser and presidential son-in-law Jared Kushner. Pence did most of the talking and his main message was crystal clear as he repeatedly drove it home.