Obama defends tax deal, says best for the nation

WASHINGTON — Facing a Democratic rebellion, President Barack Obama on Tuesday staunchly defended his decision to compromise with Republicans and temporarily extend about-to-expire tax cuts for all Americans.

"There are some who would have preferred a protracted political fight," the president said at a White House news conference a day after the deal was announced. "And I understand the desire for a fight. I'm sympathetic to that."

But, he said, a long political battle "would be a bad deal for the economy. And it would be a bad deal for the American people."

Still, he promised a fight during 2...