Saving the Democrats

[earthside]

Here is what the Democrats can do to save themselves (Obama maybe unsalvageable).

Let the Bush tax cuts expire.

All Democratic Senators in the new Congress in January then need to sign a letter saying that they will ONLY vote for tax cut legislation that gives the break to folks making under $250,000 -- they have to make it very clear that from this position they will not budge. (Sound familiar?)

So, what then is the Repuglican-controlled House going to do? Take all the blame for everyone's income taxes going up because they won't send a passable bill to the Senate?

Why isn't turnabout fair play?

I suspect that the House Repuglicans would fold 30 seconds after everyone receives their first paycheck with the new withholding rate.

Furthermore, if Obama got a backbone transplant, he could tell the House and Senate Repuglicans that he will veto any legislation that comes to his desk, unless unemployment insurance benefits are extended.

There is a way to take the Repuglican House majority and turn it into an advantage -- but, of course, that means being 'political'. I know Nancy Pelosi is up to the job; if the Senate changes the filibuster rule, they will be up to the job ... the only question remaining then is: is Obama up to the job?

[Egnever]

1. I am sure all the people that see thier taxes go up and

the others who see their unemployement expire will think thats just brilliant. Since we all know how closely Americans follow politics there should be no question as to whos feet the blame should be laid.:eyes:

[readmoreoften]

2. It's pretty much too late to change this on Obama's watch.

We'll have to wait two years until he's primaried at best. Since that's unlikely we'll more than likely wind up with continuing right-wing neoliberal Reaganomic policies from Obama or whichever Republican comes next.

[DJ13]

3. Theres little chance to save the Democratic party

Many regular folks already see our party as little more than a shadow GOP, and recent events do nothing to change that opinion.

[Ozymanithrax]

4. If they were all Republicans, they woul do just that.

You are assuming that Republicans give a shit about the poor, the middle class, and the unemployed.

[FBaggins]

5. The problem is that you can't *GET* all of them to sign such a letter.

Too many Democratic Senators would rather see cuts for all than no cuts.

Taking a hostage doesn't work if nobody believes that you're willing to shoot the hostage.

I suspect that the House Repuglicans would fold 30 seconds after everyone receives their first paycheck with the new withholding rate.

Really? You don't think that they would say "We passed it and the President has already agreed to the deal. Senate Democrats are the only thing standing in the way.

And before you reply with the obvious. No, this isn't the same as what the Republicans did. They knew that four weeks from now they have scores of new Congressmen. They can take a 4-wk PR hit knowing that they can deliver on their priorities in the new Congress. Democrats can't sit on higher rates for everyone for the entire term.