Today's New York Times editorial claims that all three candidates are lying about their economic plans regarding taxes on the middle class. But the editorial assumes that taxes can't be made progressive.

In effect, Mrs. Clinton and Mr. Obama are saying that they can pay for their promises mainly by raising taxes on the top 3 percent of taxpayers. That’s neither politically nor economically plausible.

Far from not being economically plausible, this approach is necessary and desirable.