Neither side budging as border wall debate hits primetime

WASHINGTON -- President Trump's primtetime Oval Office address and the Democrat's response could best be summed up as more of the same.

The President repeatedly using the word crisis to describe the situation at the southern border -- saying women and children are being used as vicious pawns by dangerous gangs. He said the $5.7 billion for a steel barrier along the border is what professionals there want and need.

“The border wall would quickly pay for itself," said President Trump. "The cost of illegal drugs exceeds $500 billion a year - vastly more than the $5.7 billion we have requested from congress. The wall will also be paid for indirectly by the great new trade deal we have with Mexico.”

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer blasted the President in their response for appealing to fear not facts.

"Most presidents have used Oval Office addresses for noble purposes," said Schumer. "This President just used the backdrop of the Oval Office to manufacture a crisis, stoke fear and direct attention from the turmoil in his administration.”

Pelosi added, "President Trump must stop holding the American people hostage, must stop manufacturing a crisis and must reopen the government.”

The Democrats demanded the President separate the shutdown from arguments over border security and reopen the government.

President Trump has invited all congressional leaders to the White House Wednesday to continue negotiations, but it still appears neither side is willing to budge.