Harris: We're going to expand the child tax credit for middle class families.
Trump: NO TAX ON TIPS!
Which of these is more understandable? Harris is proposing - vaguely - an adjustment in the tax reporting form. What does expansion mean? What is a middle class family? Why is this tax cut (is it even one?) just for people with families? Will I need an accountant to understand how to even do this? This means I get a subtraction from my larger tax bill? It almost implies that my other taxes are pretty high. And what is a credit? What even is this?
Now, "No Tax on Tips" I understand! You will still tax my salary, but because I'm a tipped worker, my salary is pretty low anyway. But now I can keep 100% of my tips, which is usually cash anyway, and a pain to report (which is why I usually don't fully report it when it's cash). That's the bulk of my income! So the bulk of my income is tax free? And you removed a pain in the ass reporting requirement? Hooray!
Of course, the first one makes sense within the current tax system and within the general idea that the government incentivizes particular activities (to wit, having children) within that system. It's also likely doable without severe repercussions (including slashing services) elsewhere in the system. It's a grown-up policy, made by policy people who seek to help ordinary people through policy construction.
The second is a wrecking ball to the tax system that will, if it is put into place, authorize additional transformations, up to and including the complete elimination of the income tax (yes, with a Constitutional amendment) and destruction of the 20th century state support system, including Social Security. Massive cuts in services, etc. But it sounds so simple and good. NO TAX ON TIPS!
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