CLEVELAND (September 8, 2010)--President Barack Obama said Wednesday it's time to extend Bush-era tax cuts for the middle class, but the nation can't afford the Republican approach of extending tax cuts for the wealthy as well.

In a speech in Ohio, Mr. Obama directly addressed House Minority Leader John Boehner, who would become speaker if Republicans take over the House in November, as many analysts are predicting.

Boehner recently appeared in Cleveland himself to discuss the GOP's economic proposals.

In his speech, Mr. Obama said, "Let me be clear to Mr. Boehner and everyone else. We should not hold middle class tax cuts hostage any longer." The president says his administration "is ready this week to give tax cuts to every American making $250,000 or less."