Awwal 12, 1432 H/Feb 15, 2011, SPA -- President Barack Obama said on Tuesday a budget showdown that could lead to a government shutdown can be avoided if both sides agree to make budget cuts only if they do not endanger the U.S. economic recovery. "I would not support "symbolic cuts" that would endanger the U.S. economy", Reuters quoted Obama as saying at a news conference. "Let's use a scalpel, let's not use a machete, and if we do we should avoid a government shutdown," he said.