In a fantasy land where the Democrats call the Republicans' bluff and refuse to give the rich their tax break, why will the frame that Obama increased taxes be allowed to prevail? It is equally true that the Republicans refused to grant an extension for those who actually need it in the middle class? If the Republicans don't compromise when they only have one chamber in congress, why will the Democrats meekly accept responsibility for Republican stubborness?
My next question for those who argue that the Republicans will exploit the lie that Obama increased taxes, do you actually believe they won't find a different issue to lie about if the Democrats capitulate on this?
Why is a permanent extension unacceptable, but a temporary extension is not? Does anyone believe that the Democrats will not extend it again in two years, during an election cycle? If it is not expedient now, what will be better later? Eventually the Republicans will make this permanent, that's what the stall is about.
Doesn't anyone understand that a temporary extension would only cause exactly this problem later?
If Obama wants to improve support from the base, treating them well would be an important first step. Republicans don't cross over, capitulation to them has never worked. Obama won because people wanted integrity, responsibility, and change.
Couldn't a "compromise" be a temporary extension for those making between $250,000 and $500,000 and expiration after that.