be part of this campaign. we do know that this is a closed press event. we don't expect to see these two principals, these two former foes together at any point during the day. of course that could change. we really don't know. but he will be here for a private luncheon with the president tomorrow, thomas. >> do you think they'll exchange christmas gifts? >> i don't know. maybe that wine reserve -- well, maybe not wine reserve. it is mitt romney, after all. he does not drink. >> good point. >> i don't know. >> no beer summit on the horizon between those two. >> no white house home brew. >> mike viqueira at the white house for us, thanks so much. just moments away from the president's remarks. the big question is will his stance on the fiscal cliff matter to congress as both sides still try to broker a deal away from the edge. msnbc contributor jimy williams joins us from our d.c. bureau with more. good to have you with me. does this press event signal to all the parties involved the type of tone that the president really wants to strike today to those people that he's trying to get the votes from, that basically the american people