Tuesday in politics: Another day closer to ‘fiscal cliff’, and more

Twenty-one days and counting before the "fiscal cliff" — that automatic combination of tax increases and deep spending cuts that goes into effect at the end of the year.

Neither the White House nor Republicans have scheduled press conferences or events Tuesday pushing their fiscal cliff proposals, but it's Washington and that could change on a moment's notice.

Representatives from the White House and Speaker John Boehner's office met Monday behind closed doors but no progress was reported, and President Barack Obama took his plan on the road to Michigan.

Also worth noting on Tuesday: Sens. Chuck Schumer and Lamar Alexander will give an update on the planning for the Jan. 21 inauguration, including construction of the platform where the ceremony will take place, and First lady Michelle Obama will delivers toys and gifts donated by the presidential office staff to the U.S. Marine Corps Toys for Tots Campaign at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling in Washington, D.C.

And then there is this: John Kerry, senior Senator from Massachusetts, former Democratic presidential nominee and apparently on the short list of candidates for Secretary of State, turns 69 on Tuesday.

Sources: Yahoo! News' The Ticket, Associated Press