Sen. Bob Corker describes dinner with Obama, GOP senators as constructive

Following last night's dinner with President Barack Obama and GOP senators, Sen. Bob Corker described the character of the group as "sincere and open" and "very constructive."

Corker appeared on CBS "This Morning" to offer comments to hosts Charlie Rose and Norah O'Donnell. The senator and former Chattanooga mayor said that although he couldn't give a "readout on policy issues discussed," he hoped the meeting laid a foundation for constructive talks between the White House and Congress after months of conflict over fiscal issues.

"I do think the conversations were very honest. Republicans talked about tax reform, they talked about the types of structural entitlement reforms, the president talked about the kind of things that he felt like needed to be part of a larger deal," Corker said. "So again, what I would say is that I think the most salient part about the dinner was it was a very sincere and open conversation."

When asked if he thought the president's willingness to reach out to the group of senators, along with former vice presidential candidate Paul Ryan, and GOP House members later this week signaled a significant change to the atmosphere in Washington, D.C., Corker acknowledged the president's approach was a shift from previous debates.

"I think the fact that ... this is being covered so much indicates that this is a pretty big change," he said. "We look at it as pretty normal, but ... everybody's kind of fascinated. I think it's a great move. Look, John McCain sat beside him last night, and there was a lot of joviality."