Obama presses for tax-cut compromise

[Cali_Democrat]

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/Obama-presses-for-taxcut-rb-2883515126.html?x=0

WINSTON-SALEM, North Carolina (Reuters) - President Barack Obama, closing in on a deal with Republicans to extend tax cuts, said on Monday he might not get "100 percent of what I want" but compromise was necessary to head off a rate increase for the middle class.

In a speech at a community college in North Carolina, Obama hinted at a possible agreement that would at least temporarily extend Bush-era tax cuts for wealthier Americans -- as Republicans want...

"I have argued that we can't afford it right now, but what I've also said is we've got to find consensus here, because a middle-class tax hike would be very tough not only on working families but would be a drag on our economy right now," he said.

The tax cuts are due to expire at the end of the year and rates for many Americans will increase in January unless Congress takes action before it adjourns later this month.


Read more at link....http://finance.yahoo.com/news/Obama-presses-for-taxcut-rb-2883515126.html?x=0

[rfranklin]

1. let them expire...

It is time to fight.

[Clio the Leo]

2. The time to fight was September. And even then, we didn't have the votes.

This is not a fight we can "win." Time to do what's best for the middle class and move on to the next one.

[Cali_Democrat]

3. Move on to the next fight and then compromise again?

:shrug:

[Clio the Leo]

7. Yep love, that's how things work in the United States Congress. nt

[Cali_Democrat]

8. What about a Presidential veto?

If Congress is passing pro-GOP laws, shouldn't Obama start using the veto?

[Clio the Leo]

12. Sure, he can veto, but he cant create legislation...

.... all a veto would do would continue the gridlock.

[Cali_Democrat]

18. A veto would expose Republcans

naked for all to see.

[Clio the Leo]

19. Because we're SO good at messaging? nt

[Mass]

14. Compromising requires two sides to move. This is caving.

I dont think they have a lot other options, at this point, but I just hope Obama will call on the GOP for blackmailing the country. Not a lot of hope, unfortunately, but...

[BluegrassDem]

6. If all taxes went up and the economy double dipped into a recession

Not only would Obama be toast, but so would the Democratic Party. We'd get blamed up and down. Tax hikes on the middle class would take money out of the economy and the economy is very fragile right now.

[dennis4868]

9. That's a real responsible position....

yes, let the tax cuts for the middle class go up, lose unemployment insurance all in the name of FIGHTING.....And what exactly does fighting mean when the repubs will fillubuster no matter what....Obama cannot literally physically fight them or hold a gun to their head....what is it that you want him to do when he FIGHTS? Repubs are holding America hostage and Obama is trying his best to get what he can for people like us.

[Cali_Democrat]

10. If Republicans continue to block tax cuts and unemployment benefits, they will lose politically

Force them to go against middle class tax cuts and unemployment benefits all in the name of tax cuts for the wealthy.

[dennis4868]

13. ummmm the repubs just gain 60 seats in the house...

last month....they blocked everything that would help the American people between 2008 and 2010....it did not hurt them because the vast majority of the voting public does not pay enough attention to politics and/or believes the lies in the media/repub party....if the last election was about the facts, dems would have gained 60 seats.

[Cali_Democrat]

16. People will feel the impact of Republican obstructionism

When the middle class taxes go up and unemployment benefits stop.

Then the Dems can point the finger squarely at the Republicans.

Political gold for Dems

[BluegrassDem]

17. No, Obama would get the blame....the president ALWAYS gets the blame

And who cares about political gold? Unemployed people would be suffering. For what? Just to prove a political point? The economy would suffer and the Dems would suffer too.

[grumgrum]

4. As expected Obama will give tax-cuts to the Rich -- No one is surprised.

we knew this was coming back in Summer.
GOP thanks the WH...again.

[dennis4868]

15. Why should anyone be surpised?

The repubs are forcing his hand....repubs dont give a shit about the economy....blame the repubs not Obama who hands are tied here thanks to the fillubuster and the soon to be majority in the house....Obama does not want to give the wealthy tax cuts but he has no choice to in order to get unemployment insurance for those who are literally fighting to stay alive every.

[Deep13]

5. RE: tax cuts for the rich: ...

[David__77]

11. If all cuts are extended for the same period, that's unforgivable.

If it's permanent for the lower rates and temporary for the highest rate, that I can see as a possible deal.