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Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsObama to GOP on debt ceiling: Here is my offer, nothing
Ezra Klein reports:
Whatever House Republicans might think, the White House is all steel when it comes to the debt ceiling. Their position is simple, and its typically delivered in the tone of voice that Bruce Willis reserves for talking to terrorists: Theyre happy to raise the debt ceiling on their own, as would be the case under their proposal to take authority for the debt ceiling away from Congress. But if Congress rejects that offer, then the debt ceiling is Congresss problem, and the White House will not help.
I'm older than Ezra by more than a little, so the cinematic image that leaps into my brain is not Bruce Willis but rather Michael Corleone, in The Godfather, Part 2 (You tube here):
Senator Pat Geary: I want your answer and the money by noon tomorrow. And one more thing. Don't you contact me again, ever. From now on, you deal with Turnbull.
Michael Corleone: Senator? You can have my answer now, if you like. My final offer is this: nothing. Not even the fee for the gaming license, which I would appreciate if you would put up personally.
President Obama would appreciate if John Boehner would deal with the debt limit now. But absent that, his offer is nothing. A far cry from August 2011. FWIW, President Clinton took the same approach when the GOP voiced the idea of holding the debt ceiling hostage in 1995:
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2012/12/12/1169226/-Obama-to-GOP-on-debt-ceiling-Here-is-my-offer-nothing
monmouth3
(3,871 posts)freshwest
(53,661 posts)And by less than nothing, I mean tax them to get back their ill-gotten gains. That's what taxes on the rich and subsidized corporations are. The GOP are so fond of playing the retroactive game. They should be dealt some retroactive justice.
John2
(2,730 posts)what I'm saying. I'm tired of listening to the Republicans whining. I'm tired of listening to the media. I'm tired of listening Wall Street. Just go off this dam cliff if they are so scared. The Republicans aren't in a position to dictate to anyone. Obama has already let us know the Republicans can sign a Bill now to cut taxes. That is the only time he should want to hear from Boehner. Go ahead off the Cliff, whatever turns you on!
Dalai_1
(1,301 posts)rgbecker
(4,832 posts)If Congress wants to say Obama can't borrow and spend any more. Obama simply chooses which programs to continue and which to stiff. First on the list, Congressmen's pay check.
MediaMan
(9 posts)Just a month after President Obama won his campaign for a second term, his campaign apparatus sprang back to life Wednesday, urging supporters to keep pressure on the GOP to sway towards the presidents favored tax policies.
- See more at: http://thedemocraticdaily.com/2012/12/12/obama-campaign-reactivates-to-pressure-gop/#sthash.fTaMRFf3.dpuf