(Photo: The White House Flickr stream)
The news out of Washington, D.C., is galling for liberals: The White House is hammering out a deal with Senate Republicans to extend all the Bush tax cuts, at least for now, in exchange for Republicans "probably" -- that's how the New York Times report puts it -- agreeing to extend unemployment benefits. "Right now, the Republicans see themselves as successful blackmailers, holding a clear upper hand," Paul Krugman writes in his column.
Republicans dared President Obama to raise taxes, and that strategy of coercion appears to have trumped all economic good sense. When blackmail once works, it tends to get tried at least twice. And so here come the Democrats, warning about the next fiscal hostage-taking. Senator Dick Durbin (D-Illinois) on Face the Nation:
"I know in a few months we're going to have a debt ceiling vote -- and all of these pious speeches, posing for holy pictures about our deficit. Many of the people who are going to vote for this tax cut for the wealthiest people in America adding to our deficit, lamenting that deficit, will refuse to vote on the debt ceiling out of principle. I think honestly the debt ceiling ought to be a part of this -- unlikely, but it is part of the same conversation."
Earlier: Sen. Bernie Sanders goes to 11.
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No.
There, Dems: was that so hard?
Yes. On the other had. I thank the Republicans for making Europe look good. :)
Yes ...actually it was! In order to save the lives of many a choice was made to overlook the ignorance and greed of the few.
Perhaps this was not the venue to fight .....in January when the republicans control the senate, watch and see how much they get through ......all bets are on nada!
Sunny, I assume your handle refers to your disposition, b/c at this point only a true blue optimist would believe Dems are simply saving their ammo for another fight. Cave after cave after cave after cave after cave says otherwise.
Republicans will pass whatever they want come January. They enjoy the game, while Dems act like it's not a game. And it shouldn't be, but acting like it isn't just means you lose. Can't win if you don't play. Unlike Dems, Repubs play, and they play to win.
Ya think? Let's remember what dems did when they were in the minority for the first 6 years of Bush. Did they block anything? Nope, they proved to be just as spineless in the minority as in the majority. This country will continue to be run by repubs, quite a feat considering they only will control one house of Congress. But, once you consider that the President is either just as spineless as the rest of his party, or is so naive to think that if he tries to give in to repub demands, that he will get their votes for things he wants, it's not that hard to believe at all. Can we just put Palin in office now so we can hasten the demise of this foundering nation?
Eventually the whole world is gonna get sick of the right wing games, at the cost of most Americans, then they will loose! You can not play a game with out
an opposing team, and I am not going to play their stupid game. I hope they all loose their jobs this Christmas, and watch them crash and burn because they have no idea how to live without a silver spoon in their mouths. Stick a passifyer in it!
Uh, what?
Read your later post and got your meaning. Might want to watch the unclear antecedents.
The Republicans are so inherently evil and the Democrats are so sadly spineless.
I wish I could vote this up about a jillion more times.
Democrats are too weak to govern and Republicans are too corrupt. Unless this is corrected the great American experiment is over.
The late 90s were a Golden Age for this country and the Republicans did everything they could to screw it up and successfully did so.
So disappointed.
You'll get over it.
The plutocrats in Congress & on Wall St. are saying to millions of us, "We'll take your money because we can because we made it legal. And, frankly, I don't give a damn if you starve, become homeless or die." This is the real death panel in America.1% of Americans now take home almost 24 percent of income, up from almost 9 percent in 1976
What's funny is the joke is on the rich. The rich get richer is exactly right but they get rich off borrowed money which THEY will have to pay back. Most Americans pay little if any federal income tax and most of the tax is paid by the tiny minority of wealthy. So don't cry over the debt, it isn't yours.
If you point out we pay the debt in reduced benefits remember this is a democracy. If the people elect representatives who cut constituents' benefits to give the money to the rich so be it. If Democrats won't get off their butts to vote and let Republicans steal them blind that is what they deserve. For example, many older voters elected Republicans last month "to save Medicare from socialism". Since people are so stupid let them take the consequences. How many thousands voted for Bush in 2000 only to see their loved ones killed or wounded in the Iraq war? How many Americans voted for Republicans because they "better with the economy" only to find themselves unemployed?
If any unemployed person voted Republican then they deserve to have their benefits slashed and the money given to the rich. Isn't that what they want?
This is news to me... do you think I could get that 33% back from last year alone then? Why even have an income tax then? I will agree that far too many pay no income tax whatsoever... and far too many of *them* get returns anyway--so we're on the same page. And this is just federal income tax... what about property taxes? State taxes? The cost of doing business alone is starting to make it not worth the effort... Is this what you really want?
The reason why people who don't pay income tax, just payroll taxes, get returns is to help boost the retail industry. It's certainly debatable as to whether or not that is a good idea. The retail industry will tell you to give everyone a return because sales go through the roof. I used to be a manager at Wal-Mart and tax return day was looked at as the second biggest holiday season after Thanksgiving/Christmas. I don't know, however, if it's necessarily an intelligent spend for the government.
Uh huh, and you would known this how, Covah?
My partner and I pay plenty of income tax. Just check our returns.
I'm sorry I had hope. The change hasn't been what I voted for. Obama's constant compromising is saddening. The Dems should play hardball and let all the Bush tax cuts expire. I might not always agree with Hillary Clinton, but at least she has a backbone.
I so agree with you............Where did there backbone go???
I am disgusted with the democrats. What a bunch of spineless pussies.
Well, there certainly isn't any "change" involved in this. But hey, you get your unemployment checks for another 13 months... maybe. Isn't that good enough? Obama promised not to raise taxes on the middle class, not punish the successful despite the middle class. Hate to burst your bubble, but economic health and political comity trump your disdain for people you've never met or see twice a year for a checkup.
Let all the Bush tax cuts expire And show the Senate that there is a way to make them pay for all of the Lies they spout each day.
It's too late. The dems have already caved - again.
I am just sick and tired of the Dems caving into the Repubs. I would rather all of the tax cuts get dropped. Then the repubs can continue to hold out on unemployment until they find themselves out of office. Sometimes you need to hold a hard line against bullies, and now is the time. If Obama caves on this, it will be two more years of getting unreasonable and irresponsible fiscal policy that will truly bankrupt our nation once and for all.
I agree. Never did I think that Obama would turn out this way. But he's become a President who doesn't have the cajones to stand up to the reps. He just caves and caves and caves. And I get more and more disheartened, disappointed, disgusted.
The reps say we 'all' have to make hard choices. What hard choice do they have to make. They will be in their mansions, eating the finest foods, driving fancy cars, buying tons of gifts for their families. Meanwhile, other families are wondering where they will stay when their home is foreclosed because they were laid off from their job. They will wonder where their next meal will come from. And the reps don't care. What kind of country do we live in. Where the hell is Karma when we need her.
I could see this coming. Back in May of 2009 I identified the GOP strategy of portraying Obama as man with a good heart who won't take the difficult stands it takes to govern. It's like watching the demise of Jimmy Carter all over again. Whoever gets elected behind Obama will get the credit for the good results of his work.
Way to hold the unemployed American people hostage to help the rich people who can buy whatever their kids want for Christmas while enjoying a catered Holiday meal.
Unemployment issues should always be a seperate vote never lumped in with anything else. You don't continue to kick people when their down when your the ones who helped them to fall.
That's tells you who they are. They couldn't care less about anyone but their wealthy friends who never lack for anything. But they're the ones who get more.
Good God! Where will it end? I do not want to see my granddaughter selling pencils on a street corner! Trickle down economics didn't/doesn't/will never work. I'm stunned by the greed and selfishness rampant in the country. (Rachel, I'm one of many who wish Americans were required to watch your program. You are not only knowledgable, but easy to understand.)
Before it gets there (for some it is already there). When we get to the Oligarchy we, with the aid of any foreign country who wants to support our 'istas will have to rebel like when we were not represented as in the 18th C. It might come to that! Prepare for the worst but hope for the best. We more than ever need a capitalist/socialist government with cradle to grave benefits for all who work for a living with exceptions for those who can't through no fault of their own. At 71 I have all the socialist benefits I can handle, I just want it for all the so-called poor and hardworking people of our Great Nation. One can subscribe to socialism and be a Patriot too.
I just don't understand why the press, the President, and every sentient human being isn't standing up and shouting "SHOW ME ONE JOB, JUST ONE JOB that was created by these tax cuts (which, after all, have been in effect for 9 years).
The annoying part is that, should this deal go forward, republicans will take the credit for "cutting taxes"; even though for 98% of Americans it was the democrats who were protecting their tax cuts.
Oh absolutely. The Republicans are excellent choreographers. But I will say this: I'm a life-long Democrat (I'm nearly 60) and this is the first time I've seen liberals sounding like they might actually be growing angry spines. I haven't had health care in a long time so I live on ibuprofen, but I'm ready to hobble up to D.C. carrying a torch and a pitchfork.
I agree with Mark to the point where the Democrats should keep voting for unemployment benefits. As far as the tax cut renewals, perhaps raise the level to 350 for married AND singles to adjust for inflation. Then let those over that revert to the pre-Bush rates. Call the Republican's bluff. Look how easy 2012 will be.
can i swear now? please? this @!$%#ing sucks. i am so embarrassed to be living in a country where these kind of people have this much power. been crying all morning about this. anxiety at an all time high.
I understand how you feel. Who is really representing US - the people that elected them into office?? NOBODY! I can feel my heart pound as I read this kind of bs, too. High blood pressure, much?
Obama is on my very last nerve at this point. I voted for him in good faith, and I have never felt so betrayed. He doesn't need the Reps. to ensure he is a one term president - he's doing that HIMSELF!
I get the same reaction - I may not be able to watch the news for a while it makes me so angry. I like Obama, but if he doesn't grow some balls I will cry. And the rest of the democrats are no better (there are a few exceptions, like Anthony Weiner). Biggest bunch of pussies in Washington. The republicans are just evil. We are doomed.
It's over, the repugs know it-they are winning.
Obama blew it after the house vote-talking compromise even before the senate met!
(Ummmm...hadn't he ever heard of "he who speaks first loses"?
Just picture Boner sitting at his happy hour with his cocktail saying..."like taking candy from a baby...whata buncha of dopes."
Dopes who are more than willing to fight back!
The people we elect to protect us continue to fail us. The Bush Tax Cuts have not provided ANY jobs over the last 10 years, so why does anybody think they will magicly start producing jobs now? The will NOT produce new jobs so stop the lies and stop the blackmail using the Bush Tax Cuts and stop hurting 15 million Americans out of work.
Warren Buffett is NOT going to hire me, and neither is Jimmy Buffett even though I have all of his albums. The rich are NOT going to be hiring anybody. Look at typical rich person like Meg Whitman, she hired an illegal imigrant to clean her house then she fired her and denied ever knowing her. That’s who the rich people hire, not the American middle class.
Basically, you're right, but please remember that Warren Buffett is on the record for OPPOSING tax cuts for people like him. On this, at least, he's one of the good guys.
Not to mention Obama and the dems will be blamed for growing the deficit so much. It is a win-win for republicans.
God this is what annoys me the most @lib50. They are already claiming that Obama has added more to the deficit than any president in US history and some right wing talk show hosts are even trying to claim he's added more to the deficit than all the other presidents combined. You know come election time the unemployment rate is still going to be 6% or higher and the deficit will be twice as large as it was come this time around. And what will Republicans do? Howl that Obama has added more to the deficit from gov't spending and that he hasn't created enough jobs. And what I love is- remember all the conservatives who claim that deficits are the responsibility of Congress? So what they will do is flip-flop and use the exact same argument we've been using- that the president is the one who sets the agenda and approves the budget- to argue that this is why Obama is to blame for the deficit and job losses. Sigh.
Mickey
They are already doing complete "about face", barely a month after the election.
McConnell - Sunday on Meet the Press........Angrily stating how difficult it would be to complete "all" the legislation in question prior to Dec. 25th - asking "what has taken the President and administration so long........" to take action on these matters?!? DUH - ya think it is due to the Repubs refusing the President's invite to meet with him at the White House - within hours practically of the close of the voting polls in Nov.?! Prior to then, they have been the Party of NO to everything since the President took office!
Dyl - Sunday - Face the Nation......Dyl stated it has been a month since the last election and asked what took this administration so long to address the continuation of the Tax Cut/Bonus for the 2%?!? Duh - almost same exact words from both Repubs - completely reverse of what they have said all along - right up to last Sunday on their Press Tour!
Neither would respond to direct question of exactly how much money they would be borrowing from China and other countries to pay for their additional luxuries. Both tried unsucessfully to BS and change subject entirely......on both programs!
Really - really - ? How can people buy into this insanity? Flip-flop in barely four weeks?!?
I think this is why we should put a moratorium on allowing people over the age of 50 to serve in Congress- seriously, I think they're senile ;-)
Speaking as an over-50, who is semi-senile, (LOL), I say we old senile folks need representation in Congress, even if it is just for the sake of entertainment, such as that provided by Inhofe, Bunning, etc. We can't depend on the Tea Partiers to provide all the laughs!
Lol poor Uffy I pick on your age group too much, I'm sorry =) I was mostly thinking of John McCain...
Hell, McGrandpa could be MY grandpa! I agree there should be some kind of mandatory retirement age, just as there should be for Supreme Court justices. On the other hand, whenever I think of people like Strom Thurmond, Robert Byrd and John McCain doddering around, I also think of John Paul Stevens, who, despite his advanced years, demonstrated to me in his recent 60 Minutes interview that he is sharper and more intelligent than Palin, Bachmann, Paul, or any of the other Tea Party dimwits.
Go ahead and kid me and folks of my age group all you want. We tolerate you youngsters and try to be nice, if only in hopes that you won't unplug the life support equipment someday in the distant future! LOL
Ah, Mickey, do not be so quick to dismiss those over 50 (of which group I and my partner are members). Thanks.
Yes yes I agree my joke was in bad taste. I should have just said Senator John McCain instead of generalizing everyone. I am sorry.
Let's LET 'EM EXPIRE! As a 60k wage earner, the Bush tax cuts were not worth fighting over. If the ultra-wealthy insist on the tax cuts too, let's just give them up. For wage earners, keeping the cuts are mostly a psychological, not a financial benefit. We're fighting over nothing. The treasury needs the money. LET 'EM EXPIRE!
Buck, are you ever right. trouble is, any politician knows that he will have make the difficult choice of possibly sacrificing his job to serve the people properly.
Obama will lose the next election. It is pretty clear now. Only a financial turn around miracle will save his chance for a second term. He was a great campaigner and he knows how to give a good speech, but as the POTUS, he is a disappointing leader.
The Grand Old (multinational corporation) Party will finally secure the fascist rule that they have been crafting for so very long. A very sad time in America.
Let all the tax cuts expire!
For the life of me I don't understand why the President allow the Republicans to bully him. I voted for him and probably will vote for him in 2012. However, he needs to do what is best for the American people and not appease the Republicans. They have blantantly "smiled in his face" at the meetings and tried to make him look foolish when they get in front of the cameras. The Republicans are preying on peoples' prejudices. The people who listen to them will believe that cats and dogs are coming from the sky when Republicans says it's raining cats and dogs. And the Democrats sort of threw the President under the bus during the passage of the Healthcare bill and during mid-term elections. They never went out defending the bill. Now they want the President to come out swinging with this tax cut.
In theory I agree with the "let them all expire" line in the sand. I'm no political strategist so that comes with some questions.
Wouldn't the President need to make that announcement along side some sort of massive cuts to the federal budget?
My thinking is it has to make sense to the political center as something other than part of a political grudge match in which Americans get caught in the crossfire. The only sell I can see for that is as part of a genuine attempt to reel in the deficit. The Republicans have been screaming about just this very thing, so if it is framed correctly, that should put the Republicans into a very awkward position.
Maybe someone with political savvy can tell me where this thinking is flawed.
One other issue I have with a "let it all expire" point of view, is the lowest tax brackets. I wouldn't be thrilled with paying more tax, but I could manage and if I knew it was to ensure that our nation was going to be running in the black, I wouldn't complain as loudly.
For the lowest income brackets however, I am concerned. Should I be, or are there enough exemptions and deductions in place that those in the lowest brackets don't actually end up paying the increased rate anyway?
Finally, I see any adjustment of the current tax system as stop gap.
I want to see a full reform of both the tax codes and of our trade policies. I don't know how we are supposed to collect enough tax revenue to pay the bills, nor how we are supposed to ensure economic opportunity for American workers (admittedly self serving here) when we allow the top 1% to pay a 15% tax rate in a supposedly "progressive" tax structure and we hemorrhage money through our massive trade deficits.
How come no one suggested the obvious: Raise taxes above 250K, but give tax cuts for the wages up to median income of employees.
This solves the issue on both sides. if the millionaire doesn't want to hire, he pays taxes so that the state can do something. And if he does hire, his taxable income goes down. Either way jobs are actually created.
Great day for America! Kim, Kourtney and Khloe -also known as 'the job kreators' -have got their tax kuts. Huzzah!
^ ^ ^ sarcasm
Republicans are laughing at the middle class and the President - - Obama will only have one term - he will have so badly disappointed his own supporters that put him there - that his chances of getting re-elected are comparative to the chances of the Chicago Cubs winning a world series. Sadly President Obama will be known as the "All Talk - No Fight" President.
I don't know why senate Democrats don't use RECONCILIATION to pass the tax cuts they want to rather than compromising with the uncompromising Republicans. After all, the Republicans used RECONCILIATION 10 years ago to pass the Bush tax cuts over Democrat objections.
Reconciliation works only if you've already got a bill passed in both houses. It worked on Health care reform because a GOP version passed the Senate. I know it is called Obama care but what we really got was Rhomney care. Once Scott Brown was elected true Obama care was dead. I thank Obama for convincing the House that this version of health care reform was light years better than no reform at all.
It is admirable that Obama is willing to do what needs to be done even if it means he is a one term President. The problem is because he is making compromise a priority, it will become a self fullfilling prophecy.
If you can't play hardball, get out of the way! Unfortunately for Obama, I am sure that he will see one if not more, viable candidates in 2012.