Obama Ready to Play Hardball on Fiscal Cliff

[babylonsister]

http://politicalwire.com/archives/2012/10/18/obama_ready_to_play_hardball_on_fiscal_cliff.html


October 18, 2012

Obama Ready to Play Hardball on Fiscal Cliff


President Obama "is prepared to veto legislation to block year-end tax hikes and spending cuts, collectively known as the 'fiscal cliff,' unless Republicans bow to his demand to raise tax rates for the wealthy," the Washington Post reports.

"Freed from the political and economic constraints that have tied his hands in the past, Obama is ready to play hardball with Republicans, who have so far successfully resisted a deal to tame the debt that includes higher taxes... In the days after the November election, the tables will be turned: Taxes are scheduled to rise dramatically in January for people at all income levels, and Republicans will be unable to stop those automatic increases alone."

WaPo article:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/business/economy/officials-obama-ready-to-veto-a-bill-blocking-fiscal-cliff-without-tax-hike-for-rich/2012/10/17/64400224-1870-11e2-9855-71f2b202721b_story.html?hpid=z1
Officials: Obama ready to veto a bill blocking ‘fiscal cliff’ without tax hike for rich

[YayArea]

1. I hope so.

I'll believe it when I see it.

[Enrique]

2. he might make them live up to the agreement they made

he's out of control! a monster!

[democrat_patriot]

3. "Bow to his demands". Nice phrase there WP.

Either way revenues are going up. If the Repuvblicans want to hold 98% of the country hostage to help their country club buddies - so be it. See you in 2014 as your packing your office for your Democratic replacement.

[OLDMDDEM]

4. We know

We know that the Repugs will use this against Obama as raising taxes on the middle class. Their problem is that they know it's the right thing to do. Put the rates back to the Clinton era and shut up.

[Tarheel_Dem]

5. K&R

[magical thyme]

6. we need to remember there is no "fiscal cliff"

That is massive hyperbole. The effects are cumulative: it's more like walking down a steep hill. The further down you walk, the longer the climb back up. But there are few weeks to months in early 2013 that he can hold this sledge hammer over their heads while he 'negotiates' his terms. And then changes can be made retroactive.

[harun]

7. They'll all be tough until Nov. 7th. Then the rich will get their tax cuts.