If this isn't class warfare, I don't know what is.
A senior Republican in the House of Representatives said he could back extending jobless benefits, favored by Democrats like House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, in exchange for an extension of all Bush-era tax cuts, including for the wealthiest groups.
"What we're going to do is sit down and talk with Mrs. Pelosi," Representative Pete Sessions, a Republican in leadership, told Reuters as he left a meeting of House Republicans. "I see nothing wrong with her winning as long as the American people do."
In other words, give the rich a tax break, or the two million people who will lose their benefits by the end of December are out on the street. Oh, and happy holidays.
This was a hostage ripe for the taking, unfortunately. It also demonstrates the necessity of getting this vote done and done soon, preferably extending jobless benefits for a full year instead of using the stopgap approach. Squeezing more benefits out of the Republican House in the coming two years is going to be a massive challenge.
Have you called your Senators yet? You can reach your Senator's office by phoning toll-free at 1-866-606-1189 or 1-877-662-2889. Or you can click to call. (As soon as you fill in the blanks, you'll get a call connecting you to your Senator.)