(Image source: The New York Times)     BY ZACH TOOMBS     Just hours from the deadline to avoid automatic tax hikes and spending cuts, the president remained hopeful for a deal, but short on specifics.   Flanked by middle-class Americans, he spoke from the White House Monday afternoon.   “Today it appears an agreement to prevent this New Year’s tax hike is within sight. But it’s not done.” [Video: CNN ]   The latest details on the table, according to The Washington Post :   - a $450,000 tax threshold - moved from $250,000 by Democrats - Possibility of delaying spending cuts   Mr. Obama said, although he had hoped to avert tax hikes through a “grand debt reduction bargain, that was apparently too much to ask. The president’s news conference was noticeably peppy in tone — something NBC’s Chuck Todd picked up on.   He Tweeted : “On New Year's eve, a campaign-style event? This is WH's way of warning GOP, January will bring more P.R. hammering if they don't cut deal”   On the Senate floor minutes later, John McCain was none too pleased, accusing the president of partisan grandstanding.   “He comes out and calls people together, has a group stand behind him, laughs and jokes and ridicules Republicans. What is — Why?” [Video: C-Span ]   Negotiations over a deal to avoid the so-called “fiscal cliff” are expected to stretch into late Monday evening.