real nor a theoretical basis for austerity, President Obama continues his laser-like focus on getting a Grand Bargain. Imagine if he'd worked this hard and strategized this relentlessly for a jobs bill!

President Barack Obama is reaching out to Republican senators — the most receptive participants from his recent “charm-offensive” dinners — to jump-start talks to reach a “grand bargain” on entitlements, spending and taxes, according to White House and Congressional officials.Obama — fighting against steep odds to reach a big legacy deal on deficits and debts — has personally pressed Congressional leaders for another shot at reaching an agreement similar to one that fell apart during negotiations with Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) in 2011.

Chief of staff Denis McDonough and his deputy Rob Nabors have been consulting behind the scenes with Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) and other leaders to create a list of possible deal-makers who would attend a preliminary meeting with top Obama fiscal and economic advisers to gauge areas of potential agreement.Obama himself isn’t likely to attend the first sit-down, expected soon.

Hill staffers close the situation say the list remains fluid, but names reportedly being considered include Sens. Rob Portman (R-Ohio), John McCain (R-Ariz.), Saxby Chambliss (R-Ga.), Roy Blunt (R-Mo.), John Hoeven (R-N.D.) and Bob Corker (R-Tenn.) — Republicans Obama considers to be committed to another round of negotiations in good faith.

But a senior White House official told POLITICO any speculation about specific participants would be “wrong,” and refused to confirm any names because none of the potential attendees had yet been contacted or even briefed on the new process.

The official did say the group of probably no more than eight would be largely “self-selecting” — GOP senators who had previously expressed interest in a budget working group.Obama’s team has kept Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) in the loop, according to leadership sources, but so far the effort has been spearheaded by the West Wing.

Again: We can not let our guard down. Obama wants this deal, no matter what. We have to stop him.