This issue is really a dead horse. It is probably better in the long run for the country and the DEMS, at least with the Senate rules as they are requiring 6o votes for cloture these days for even taking a shi.... Obama has triangulated, for better or for worse, but Obama and the DEMS would have taken a terrible hit come January 1 if middle class taxes had gone up. This really is the backdoor second stimulus.
The fact is the REPUG PR machine is far, far superior to the DEMS and they haven't even been in power for 2 years! The REPUGS can't govern worth a damn but as an opposition party they have written the book on how to be in the minority and get almost always what they want. I just do not think Harry has the talent for demonizing the other party (and out maneuvering them)as Mitch does. If taxes had gone up you can just see the blame the REPUGS would have placed on the DEMS. I don't have to imagine it - I can see it and smell it. The right wing radio/and uniform REPUG/TEA PARTY block would go into high gear and be relentless...
I do have one point however and hope Harry has something left up his sleave. He has an opportunity with the new Senate to vote to change Senate rules on the first day the new Senate convenes in 2011. It only takes a majority vote, not 60 votes. Getting rid of the filibuster altogether could harm DEMS when they are in the minority next, but flibuster reform BETTER TAKE PLACE or Obama can kiss the Senate GOOD-BYE for the next two years and maybe even his re-election.
I think Obama has one strategy only and it unfortunately has very little with placating his base......IMPROVE the employment rate in the next 2 years or go home. It is basically that simple unless the REPUGS nominate one of their many idiots: Palin, Romney, Gingrich, Huckabee. If there is a real candidate to challenge Obama, we haven't seen him yet. Sorry for so little data here....I just wanted to say I am a progressive and I reluctantly support this bill - so THERE!!
UPDATE: New ABC News Washington Post poll indicates broad bipartisan support for Obama's Tax Bill at almost 70% for DEMS and INDIES and slightly higher for REPUGS. http://www.washingtonpost.com/...