There won't be any news in this diary... it's truly just a record of my thoughts. I talk to my wife about politics as often as she'll let me, but she's usually not as engaged with the nitty-gritty details as I am, and she also agrees with me on most issues. That's why I'm writing this here; to either start a conversation or just to document how I got to where I'm at. Maybe an elected representative will read this and gain some sort of understaning of why many in the public who believe like me are behaving the way we're behaving... but I won't hold my breath.
More below the fold.
Legislatively, for the lame duck session, I am for...
• Repealing DADT
• UI Extensions
• Ratifying the START treaty
• Passing the DREAM Act
• Ending the billionaire bonus tax cut (BBTC)
That list isn't necessarily in any particular order. All of those things are important for the long term health of our nation. Unfortunately, we're up against the clock. I have reason to believe we can get some of those through even a Republican controlled house, but only one of these items can't wait until then... the BBTC.
Politically, for the lame duck session, I am for...
• Letting all the tax cuts expire
If that happens, you'll notice, there's nothing else left on the list. The Republicans have promised to stop EVERYTHING if they don't get their precious BBTC. But you know what? They are currently on the hook for raising taxes for 98% of the public. Let them own it. They are currently on the hook for cutting off the UI extension. Let them own it. Better yet, introduce it again and make them vote against it again. Also, introduce the BBTC without the <250k cuts. Make them vote for/against that. Force them to make unpopular votes until they come back to the Dems begging to make a deal so they're not saddled with the label of the "Party That Hates Americans".</p>
If President Obama thinks extending tax breaks (for anybody) is a political winner, he's wrong. Nobody (Dems, Independents, or Republicans) will vote for him because he gave them a tax break. It's just not going to happen. Conversely, nobody will vote against him if he lets them expire. It seems like his fears are that: 1) He'll be labelled as the President who raised taxes during the Great Recession; 2) Independents will vote against him in 2012 because he raised taxes; 3) Raising taxes will stifle the recovery; 4) Dems will still vote for him even though he made the unpopular deal.
Dear Mr. President:
On point #1, you won't be labelled as the President who raised taxes, because the Republicans are on the hook for that now. Have courage.
On point #2, Independents won't vote against you if they believe the Republicans raised their taxes. In fact, you've basically eliminated any legislative competitors for 2012 because you can now say "He/She voted against tax breaks during the second worst economy in US history".
On point #3, Krugman is right... trust him for once.
On point #4, I can't speak for every Democrat, but in 2012 I'll do my best to reelect my Representative (McCollum) and my Senator (Klobachar). I want a Democratic House and Senate. I also want a Democratic President... but I'm not sure about you... yet. Please, convince me.
That's Where I'm At.