“Look, I’m one of those who thinks of these programs as holy grails,” said Sen. Frank Lautenberg (D-N.J.) “And I don’t want any tinkering at all. We have to see the president isn’t shooting from the hip. He’s saying something based on what he thinks will be beneficial to the economy.”

Rep. Henry Waxman (D-Calif.) said he would “be amazed” to see a grand compromise.

“That’s going to be quite an undertaking,” Waxman said…

“I’m not sure if he’s just posturing to show he’s willing to consider a broader universe — versus how real it is, what he actually means by it, so I’ll reserve my fire,” said Sen. Robert Menendez (D-N.J.).

Asked whether he was surprised by the president’s renewed push for entitlement reforms, Menendez smiled and said, “The president never ceases to surprise.”