Influence Alley

President Obama's latest fiscal cliff offer includes chained CPI, which isn't exactly attracting praise from Democrats. But House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi seems to be giving the president room on that.

Asked whether she considers chained CPI a benefit cut, Pelosi told reporters Wednesday, “No. I don’t. I consider it strengthening of Social Security."

A number of Democrats have been dodging questions over how Obama's latest offer handles entitlements. Some have been sending out statements against including chained CPI or speaking against including anything that touches Social Security in a fiscal cliff deal.

“I’ve said to the members, ‘Express yourselves. Speak out against it.’ Because I’m not thrilled with the president’s proposal,” Pelosi said. “It’s what it is in order to save the day, but that doesn’t mean we all identify with every aspect of it. So they go forth with my blessing.”