It sounds like President Obama, the Democrats, and the Republicans are getting close to a deal on the George W. Bush tax cuts, though it figures to be a temporary one that will revived in two or three years.

A temporary extension of the tax cuts that Bush signed into law is at the heart of talks between Obama aides and members of Congress, according to news reports and lawmakers appearing on Sunday shows.

"Most folks believe that the recipe would include at least an extension of unemployment benefits ... and an extension of all of the tax rates for all Americans for some period of time," said Sen. Jon Kyl, R-Ariz., who is involved in negotiations with the White House. Kyl spoke on CBS' Face The Nation.

Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin, D-Ill., also on CBS, said "we're moving in that direction," though he said he opposes extending tax cuts for the wealthy because it will add $700 billion to the federal deficit over the next ten years.

The White House, which had sought to restrict tax cut extensions to the middle class only, also wants an extension of unemployment benefits and other tax breaks for the middle class to be part of any deal.

Obama said Saturday that everybody needs to "redouble our efforts" in the days ahead to pass extensions of the Bush tax cuts because they expire at the end of the year -- meaning a de facto tax hike for all Americans.

"It will require some compromise, but I'm confident that we can get it done," Obama said. "And the American people should expect no less."

Obama also cited his demand for extension of unemployment insurance, saying "I believe it is simply wrong to even consider giving permanent tax breaks to the wealthiest Americans while denying relief to so many Americans who desperately need it and have lost their jobs through no fault of their own."

Obama spoke after Senate Republicans on Saturday rejected plans that would have extended the Bush tax cuts to only the middle class, individuals making up to $200,000 a year, and couples making up to $250,000. Obama and some Democrats said the tax cuts should not be extended for Americans making more than those limits because of concern about already large budget deficits.

Republicans say no one's taxes should be raised in such a bad economy and that many wealthy taxpayers created jobs.

On Fox News Sunday, Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, said neither party can force its will on the other, and the likely results is a temporary two- or three-year extension of all the tax cuts.

Obama said, "I'm going to be rolling up my sleeves, with the leaders of both parties in Congress. We need to get this resolved, and I'm confident we can do it."

A two-year extension, by the way, means the issue would be revisited in 2012 -- the year Obama seeks re-election.

(Posted by David Jackson)