No new taxes promise - mistake?

[tapper]

I didn't listen to the entire debate last night, but I did catch the question to Kerry about promising to not raise taxes for the middle class. Now, I consider that an unfair, trick question--who can know what's going to happen 3, 4 years out that might drastically change things? But I think Kerry painted himself into a box on tax policies. If he becomes president, he's not going to be able to make a move that might possibly increase taxes or fees on anyone making under 200K, without the Republicans howling bloody murder. (Look how Bush senior was attacked for breaking the 'read my lips' pledge--even though he was right to do so--and think how ugly the Washington atmosphere has become since then.) For instance, consider the inequity between federal taxation on wage income and investment income: according the Citizens for Tax Justice ( http://www.ctj.org , http://www.ctj.org/pdf/earnpr.pdf ) the average total tax on wage income ( Social Security and Medical plus income tax) is now 23.4 percent, while the average total on investment is 9.6 percent. I really want to see Mr. Kerry, if elected, work to correct that balance. But if he does so, you can be sure that the Republicans will scream that he's raising taxes on the middle class, even if he tried to tie that to some sort of decrease on the wage income side.

Thoughts?

[Francesca]

1. I agree with you

we cringed when he made the promise...

[skylarmae]

2. I agree it was a mistake . That question should never have been

asked. What was the average IQ of the 'townspeople'? When loaded questions like that come around, (the guy was even smirking while asking it)they should be thrown cleverly back at'em hard. Don't cater to the ignorant. Stop it. It only feeds the cancer.

[Dogmudgeon]

3. It doesn't matter

No matter what President Kerry does, he'll be accused of raising taxes.

--bkl

[Was_Immer]

4. Should have never been asked but Gibbson is a retardican

And since it was asked what else could Kerry have said? Anything beside yes was ammo for the retardicans, even a long answer! Gibbson youre a retardican!

[TryingToWarnYou]

5. Absolutely it was a mistake.

Nobody knows the future. The Repubs now have their first 2008 soundbite to use against him.

[Edwardsgroupie]

6. Kerry can get away with this

It's not going to be the same as with Bush 41 who made a silly charade of himself with that 'Read my lips' gambit. That was 41's primary presentation in '88....not so with Kerry this year.

[mikehiggins]

7. Charley is not our friend

The purpose of the debate was to ask the hard questions that make for political exposure. The question about taxes was absolutely on point and Kerry answered it absolutely correctly.

Unlike our conservative buddies, Kerry's base will accept increases in taxes in future years IF they are legitimate and IF he comes clean with the US about what is going on. What he had to do in that situation was take a clear and decisive stand that would stand out in the minds of the people.

If someone says he didn't mean it, tell them there's only ONE way to find out and PROVE him to be lying.

I happened to like the question and liked the answer better.

Anyway, Congress raises taxes. A GOP congress will undoubtedly send him a tax bill in January, and he can veto it.

Its all good.

[madrchsod]

8. no it wasn`t

the reality is that raising the taxes any more on the middle class will lead to a total collapse of the economy. if the middle class regains their job numbers the tax revenues will take care of any needed increase of revenue. job creation is the key and unfortunate neither candidate has a real plan for the real world. well i should should say Kerry`s plan may work and bush`s hasn`t...

[Upfront]

9. No Mistake

Remember Walter Mondale telling the nation he was going to raise taxes, and so were they, the difference is, I won't lie to you. He lost the election right there. So would of Kerry had he answered any other way. To bad, but that is the way it is. Never underestimate the stupidly of the average American where taxes are concerned.

[mmonk]

10. The tax thing

is a cult movement in the US. If you want to win, you have to do things like that in this changed America.