One question that Obama and Emanuel have now both dodged

[oberliner]

They have each been asked the same question:

Do you still plan to raise taxes on people making over 250k per year?

I think it was the last question at Obama's press conference, and it was also the last question that Bob Schieffer put to Emanuel.

In both cases, they each answered by speaking broadly about the tax plan itself and how it will lead to growth and how the middle class has been unfairly carrying the burden and needs the relief.

In neither case, however, did they actually give a yes or no answer.

I'm assuming that means that the answer is "yes" but they do not wish to say so, perhaps for fear of the impact it might have on the markets?

That is just a guess, though.

Does anyone have any more insights into what the answer to the question is and why Obama and has staff do not answer it directly.

[dennis4868]

1. I THINK...

they will have to delay the tax increases until the economy gets better....

[oberliner]

3. If that were they case, wouldn't they say so directly?

Is this just an attempt to keep more options open and not get locked in to anything too early?

[dennis4868]

5. this was a campaign promise made by Obama...

and the reality on the ground is that it is not the time for a tax increase even for the wealthy...they are probably not sure yet what to do about this and are still discussing this internally and therefore doing their best to not answer the question.

[TexasObserver]

16. They are saying it, but not directly.

If they said it directly, there would be an instant cacophony of voices either attacking them for changing their game plan or attacking them for not going through with the tax increase.

There is no doubt in my mind that Obama has already decided to abandon increasing the taxes for those making over $250K a year OR for increasing capital gains taxes in 2009. I watched him closely, and he artfully dodged the two questions which sought to nail him down on that.

Obama will want to pass something for the middle class early, and that's the Middle Class Tax Cut. Who can vote against that? He'll get 75% or more support in congress for that, as long as he leaves out increasing anyone's taxes, and as longs as he does not provide for cash payments to those who are not paying any federal income tax.

[RC]

9. It seems to me with the massive debt bu$h left us, a tax increase is in order.

[ben_meyers]

12. So raising taxes wouldn't be good for the economy?

Why not?

[Midlodemocrat]

2. My understanding is that if your income is between $250,000 and $600,000

you will NOT see an increase. You will see a decrease if your income is below that and an increase if your income is above that.

Personally, I think this is beyond fair.

[oberliner]

4. So no change for those in the 250-600k category?

Just an increase for those making more than 600K per year?

[Midlodemocrat]

6. That is my understanding, but I could well be wrong.

[dkf]

7. Aren't the Bush tax cuts sunsetting?

Everything will go up unless they pass something new.

[leftstreet]

17. I think they sunset in 2011 n/t

[pelsar]

8. yes no yes no....

obama campaigned on what is not Bush/McCain....the realities of the office, the economy and the intl happenings will give him and govt direction....only when he is in office and actually understands what can be done and what might work...then action will be taken

and it might mean higher taxes, lower taxes.......for everybody and nobody....

[cali]

10. um, wrong. Obama has a very strong grasp on what can and can't be

done. he's had an experienced team in place for months. And Obama campaigned on far more than what is not bush/mccain.

[IsItJustMe]

11. The reality is that things have changed dramatically since he made those campaign promises. Obama

never changed his campaign rhetoric to reflect the changes that were going on in the economy.

Now I am not an economist and I don't know how old campaign promises can be reckoned with new economic realities, but it would seem that adjustments may be in order. I don't know.

[TexasObserver]

13. They're going to jettison the tax increases, both capital gain and above $250K.

That's gone. Bet on it.

In 2009, there is no way the new Obama administration is going to increase taxes on either capital gains or those making over $250K. With the economy in a big downturn, they will avoid that for at least 2009.

Obama will deliver on his middle class tax cut, however, early in 2009. He'll have that passed in the first 90 days.

[Yukari Yakumo]

The answer is simple

The tax increases will come in the form of Bush's tax breaks expiring.

[Kdillard]

14. It seems that he won't be looking to raise any taxes until the Bush tax cuts expire

by the end of 2010.

[THUNDER HANDS]

15. why answer the question now?

really, he could pass the stimulus package without a tax increase. Better to gobble up as much political capital as possible, make a few successes in your presidency first, then hit on the rollback of the Bush tax cuts.

Making a statement of tax increases your first week out as president-elect would do nothing but weaken your standing going into office.