Biden says he’s ‘very optimistic’ about a debt ceiling deal

WASHINGTON — President Joe Biden said he was “very optimistic” on Friday about reaching a compromise deal with House Republicans to raise the debt ceiling before a June 5 deadline announced earlier in the day.

“I hope we’ll have some clear evidence tonight, before the clock strikes twelve, that we have a deal,” Biden told reporters on the South Lawn of the White House shortly after 6:00 p.m. ET. “It’s very close, and I’m optimistic,” he added.