Why not let all the tax cuts expire

[idlisambar]

...and then propose a new bill reinstating the middle class tax cuts.

Is there any reason why this couldn't be done?

[Milo_Bloom]

1. Technically? No.

The only reason is the incredible current weakness of the democrats and their leader.

[ProSense]

2. The House will be controlled by Republicans in January. n/t

[gateley]

3. I'm guessing because then Obama wouldn't have any leverage

in extending the Unemployment benefits.

And, don't know if it would pass anyway - we KNOW it wouldn't if we couldn't get to it until next year.

[WinkyDink]

13. He could commandeer the media and TELL THE PEOPLE what Republicans are doing,.

Feh. A pox on both their houses.

[grumgrum]

4. Obama is afraid of Conflict -- GOP is loving this President.

[JoePhilly]

5. Yes.

1) While most Americans would prefer the tax cuts for the rich to expire, they are UNWILLING to allow their own relative small tax breaks to expire at the same time.

2) If all the breaks expire the GOP and the media will say Obama broke his promise to not raise taxes on those under 250k.

3) The GOP will NEVER vote for a middle class tax cut unless the ubber rich also get one ... this is what we saw this passed weekend.

[amyrose2712]

6. Um. greed?

Sorry Im just annoyed. Not by you...I turned on CNN for the first time in weeks.

[Skink]

7. That would require bold action and right now we have a weak president.

[alcibiades_mystery]

8. 1. The new bill wouldn't pass in the new session

In fact, the House GOP wouldn't even bring it to a floor vote, so it couldn't be sent on to the Senate.

2. You would then lose UE insurance benefits extension, and probably any remaining legislation in this session, which the GOP would slowfoot and filibuster. That includes DADT repeal, the Dream Act and perhaps even START, although I suspect they're not brazen enough to kibosh START over this after the scolding they got from every former Republican foreign policy person in the universe.

So, those are the two main reasons you have to deal on this now. Do you have another suggestion?

[idlisambar]

11. The senate could propose the bill.

Concerning 2: yes, there are costs. I guess the question is whether the costs from the compromise that emerges will be larger.

[Cali_Democrat]

9. That's what I've been saying

Let the GOP keep blocking it.

It will hurt them politically.

They will be the ones to eventually cave.

[NorthCarolina]

10. Perhaps, contrary to public statement, Obama wants tax cuts for the rich to remain. nt

[RaleighNCDUer]

12. His financial team seems to believe in Republican economic policy -

so why would they not advise him that way?

[WinkyDink]

14. As AG John Mitchell said, "Watch what we do, not what we say."