Payoff matrix for tax deal

[Teaser]

I am assuming that the R's will block all partial tax cut extensions for this.





I am assuming here, also, that R's don't give a shit about deficit reduction. And to they extent they do, it is subsumed under the opportunity to
blame Democrats.

Given this payoff matrix, what is the optimal decision to make? Am I missing some terms?

[Fresh_Start]

1. Timing of deal

hanging over next election cycle, not hanging over next election cycle.

[Teaser]

6. k

that might be subsumed under the "blame" category, but it's a fair point.

[Skittles]

2. I WILL KICK MIS-FORMATTING TEASER ASS

YES INDEED

[Teaser]

3. kick away.

.

[alcibiades_mystery]

4. You also have to take into account that failing to cut any deal

would have killed DADT, the DREAM act, and several other important legislative wants for at least the next two years, and maybe for longer.

We'll see if we get a vote on those. But without a deal, we were guaranteed no vote, period. It has to be part of the calculations.

[Teaser]

5. true.

I wish there was an easier way to make a table than to resort to uploading images. I have to keep revising the sucker.

Right now, I don't see a logical reason for opposing the deal. It seems to optimize results for all parties. Your point only makes it clearer.

[arcane1]

7. Thanks for posting this n/t

[high density]

8. The GOP will continue slamming the Democrats on the deficit

There is no reason to believe they'd go honest now. The Democrats are just opening themselves up for more blackmail when the tax cuts expire yet again. Plus the additional deficit created by the renewal of the tax cuts will be blamed on the Democrats, again.