Obama open to compromise in Congress

US President Barack Obama used his first public appearance since his return to the White House to issue a challenge to Republicans in Congress to work with him to prevent the economy going into freefall next year.

US President Barack Obama used his first public appearance since his return to the White House to issue a challenge to Republicans in Congress to work with him to prevent the economy going into freefall next year.

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Obama called on Congress to strike a deal before the January 1 deadline that would see an automatic rise in taxes across the board and cuts in spending.

"I am not wedded to every detail of my plan. I am open to compromise," Obama said.

But he said he still wanted to raise tax rises for the wealthiest - a policy most Republicans oppose.