Seizing the Republican National Convention spotlight, vice presidential candidate Paul Ryan promised Wednesday night that Mitt Romney "will not duck the tough issues" if he wins the White House this fall and their party will move forcefully to solve the nation's economic woes.
Deadline nearing, the deficit-reduction talks in Congress sank toward gridlock Friday after supercommittee Democrats rejected a late Republican offer that included next-to-nothing in new tax revenue. Each side maneuvered to blame the other for a looming stalemate.