TPM: Message from President to Boehner was that higher taxes on the wealthy or else

[Skidmore]

http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2012/11/obama-to-boehner-higher-taxes-on-the-wealthy-or-the-bush-tax-cuts-expire.php

Obama To Boehner: Higher Taxes On The Wealthy Or The Bush Tax Cuts Expire

BRIAN BEUTLER NOVEMBER 9, 2012, 2:39 PM 1064
President Obama and House Speaker John Boehner have each made cursory appeals to cooperation in the wake of Tuesday’s election. But they’re still making incompatible demands about the tax code. And on Friday, President Obama made clear that if Republicans reject the policy goal he campaigned on, all of the Bush tax cuts will expire.

“If we’re serious about reducing the deficit we have to combine spending cuts with revenue, and that means asking the wealthy to pay a little more in taxes,” Obama said in public remarks at the White House. “Right now if Congress fails to come to an agreement on an overall deficit reduction package by the end of the year, everybody’s taxes will automatically go up on January 1.”

In both 2008 and 2012, Obama campaigned on the goal of allowing the Bush tax cuts that exclusively benefit top earners to expire. That would increase the top marginal tax rate from 35 percent to 39.6 percent next year. But Boehner and other Republicans want tax rates off the table and GOP aides suggest higher tax rates can’t pass the Republican House.

In his first post-election press conference, a couple of hours before the President’s statement, Boehner also indicated his willingness to compromise — though he reiterated Republican opposition to raising tax rates. “On Wednesday, I outlined a responsible path forward to avert the fiscal cliff without raising tax rates,” Boehner said....more

[drm604]

1. So Boehner is willing to compromise except he's not.

Am I understanding it properly?

[bemildred]

5. Boehner is trying to bullshit his way through, while getting the lay of the land.

The President just let him know that he won't be bluffed or bullied.

[LadyHawkAZ]

2. Butbutbutbut

I was just reading how he's gonna throw us all under the bus and he's caved in right away and he's gonna cut our Medicare and SS to ribbons and give the House GOP everything they want andandandand we're all DOOMED! DOOMED!

I must have read it wrong. My bad.

[TlalocW]

3. The joke's on Obama

All Boehner has to do is wait until January 20th when the new president is sworn in... Oh.... Nevermind.

TlalocW

[Scuba]

4. Perhaps we need some kind of "election" or something to show Rusty Boner what we want...

... oh wait, we had that and he's still whining on behalf of billionaires.

Rusty, hear this: start representing more than just the wealthy or you shall get a message that makes the election look like a letter to the editor.

[dem4ward]

6. It's amazing that Boner continues to hold dear their failed tax ideologies!

Hopefully they'll agree to 37% top tax rate & closing loopholes such as Romney's cayman tax havens & raise cap gains to get some revenues flowing!

[cui bono]

7. "if Republicans reject the policy goal he campaigned on, all of the Bush tax cuts will expire."

That is not a bargaining chip, that should happen AND there should be more taxes on the rich and on corporations. Geez. The Bush tax cuts were supposed to be temporary, you don't put them on the table as an offer now, you say they're over, and next on the table is...

Same old, same old I guess.

[Warren Stupidity]

8. The expiration will raise taxes across the board - on everyone.

Obama is offering for the 100th time or so to modify that so that the cuts only expire on income over 250K, and for the 100th time Boner has said no. This time the Dems have to hold firm, once the Bush cuts expire for everyone the bargaining can begin about what, if anything will replace them.

[cui bono]

10. Then Obama says let's cut taxes for the middle class and lower class and

let the Republicans tell the people they won't go along with it. Let the Tea Party try to say no to that just because Obama proposed it.

That will really put them on the line and make it clear what exactly is going on. Right now it's just another negotiation that can be spun as raising taxes. Let that part happen and get it out of the way and IMMEDIATELY change it to Obama wants to cut taxes on the middle and working class. Done.

[justiceischeap]

9. Boehner is still trying to paint the President as someone who doesn't compromise

I think the President made a very clear case during his reelection campaign where he stood on the tax issue and the majority of the people reelected him, which means we agree.

The electorate is okay with President Obama not "compromising" on certain issues because I think they know that it isn't compromise at all. I'm happy to see the GOP continue down this path at their own peril.