Should Obama let the tax cuts expire for everyone because the Republicans want to keep the tax cut

[Tony_FLADEM]

for the top 2%?


If it were up to me, I would have dealt with this issue in early 2009.

They did not do this.


The Republicans gained 63 seats in the House of Representatives and 6 seats in the Senate. Unfortunately, they now play a role in policy making.

They are not going to budge given the election result. Should he let the poor and middle class pay higher taxes so the rich also have to pay higher taxes.

There is an election in 2012. If the American People want these tax cuts to expire they will vote for the Democrats.

I know voters had this expectation in 2008, but it really wasn't an issue given the downturn in the economy.

[MineralMan]

1. Apparently some think so.

Reality sucks.

[gratuitous]

2. Yes

But then, as you point out, they only had a measly two years to prepare for this, and who can read a calendar these days? I'm still puzzling over the inability of Democrats to de-link lower tax rates for income below $250,000 from income above $250,000, while forging a link between tax rates and extending unemployment benefits (but not for those whose benefits have already run out).

I see the "we extended unemployment benefits" becoming the new "the world's better off with Saddam Hussein gone from Iraq." That is, a dubious proposition intended to create some kind of balance between opposite ends of a hideous decision.

[DrDan]

3. in September, even Boner stated he would support extending middle-class cuts only

why did we ignore that?

[Tony_FLADEM]

4. I don't know why they ignored it.

They should have addressed this issue in early 2009 as part of the stimulus plan.

[littlewolf]

5. ok my take ...

Prez Obama saw what happened in Nov ...
He knows that if those tax cuts expire that is a club
the GOP will use in 2012 ...
and the unemployment extension goes away ...
the GOP waits until Jan ... gives the tax cuts back
the Dem senators facing reelection goes along in the
Senate .... and now what do yo have ?
worse then what there is now ...

[mdmc]

8. painted in a corner

cause he sold out to for profit health insurance..

[WVRICK13]

6. No, He Should Have

called their bluff and made them own the lack of tax cuts for the majority and the lack of unemployment benefits extension. They would have caved eventually because even the Republicans can't face the majority with that kind of action.

[Milo_Bloom]

7. OF COURSE!!!

The Democrats voted AGAINST the tax cuts when bush wanted them. They forced the GOP to pass them in reconciliation (which is why they had a 10 year sunset).

Why any democrat has flip-flopped on this issue is shocking!

[Hell Hath No Fury]

9. I wanted all the tax cuts to expire --

and have them instead focus on a jobs creating program like WPA with the money. A much better investment for our future.

[Duer 157099]

10. "If the American People want these tax cuts to expire they will vote for the Democrats."

LOL, that's what we DID already. See how well that worked out?

"Insanity is doing the same thing and expecting a different result."

[Statistical]

11. The political reality is Obama will lose the entire middle.

If taxes rise for the middle class durring a recession his chance in 2012 is roughly 0%. Period.

He will be painted so far out of touch, clueless, and economically naive he may retain the left vote but will lose handily to a pet rock with a slogan.
It won't matter who the GOP runs against him.

The Republicans know this which is why they are holding the line.
The Democrats know this which is why after bashing the Prez they will hold their noses and vote for the compromise.

Call it gamesmanship if you want but Republicans simply know Obama can't win this one. If taxes rise on struggling middle class families durring a recession with 10%+ unemployment he is done.
People may not like it but nobody wins a national race (note keyword national) without some moderates. No moderate or fair weather Democrat will vote for someone who raises taxes in a recession. They simply won't and the media will blast that nonstop everyday for next 2 years. Ever bad jobs number, every setback, every disapointing result they will mention Obama raised taxes on struggling Americans middle class families in a recession.