Boehner opposes payroll tax cut extension after supporting it

Remember how it seemed Republicans never met a tax cut they didn't like?  Well, after urging his caucus to support extending a cut in the payroll tax for two months, John Boehner now opposes it.

In addition to extending the payroll tax cut for millions of American workers, the legislation also extends unemployment benefits and avoid cuts in payments to doctors who accept Medicare. The measure would be effective through February.

But in an interview with NBC’s Meet The Press on Sunday, Mr. Boehner said the two-month extension, would be “just kicking the can down the road.”

“It’s time to just stop, do our work, resolve the differences, and extend this for one year,” Mr. Boehner said on NBC’s “Meet The Press.” “How can you have tax policy for two months?”

Boehner's about-face came when he tried to sell the plan to his caucus--and most of them panned it.

The Democrats didn't take too long to pounce.  Harry Reid points out that if this deal dies in the House, Boehner will be responsible for a thousand-dollar tax increase on New Year's Day.  Chuck Schumer even went as far as to question Boehner's ability as a leader.

Granted, everyone wants a year-long extension.  But by grandstanding on this, Boehner is putting himself in the same position that he was in when he walked out on the debt ceiling negotiations this summer.