Dems to Obama: Let's NOT cave on Bush tax cuts!

[babylonsister]

Pardon the source. :hide:

Democrats to Barack Obama: Hang tough on Bush tax cuts

By CARRIE BUDOFF BROWN & GLENN THRUSH | 11/18/10 4:34 AM EST


When the looming battle over Bush tax cuts comes up during their meeting at the White House Thursday morning, congressional Democrats are likely to pose a simple question to President Barack Obama: What is your strategy?

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) have already made it clear to Obama – in a conference call Monday – that they want him to establish a coherent and tough bargaining position to deal with the GOP’s united support for an extension of all tax cuts, according to House and Senate sources familiar with the call.

But on the call the president brushed aside the suggestion that his position has wavered, sources said. And his aides continue to insist that they are deftly toeing a fine political line between caving to GOP demands that all cuts be extended indefinitely and adopting such an inflexible bargaining posture that Republicans are discouraged from reasonable compromises. (See: Top governors turn against Steele)

snip//

“Give us the playbook – or even an inkling of what you want to do and how you want to do it,” said one congressional Democrat involved in crafting the tax-cut strategy.

Other Democrats were equally outspoken on Wednesday.

“The White House needs to stand firm and say we’re not giving tax breaks to billionaires in this country,” Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) said. “Every day we hear a little differently.”

more...

http://www.politico.com/news/stories/1110/45317.html

[rocktivity]

1. They've almost got it right.

The Dems need to say that to the Republicans, and Obama needs to say that he'll veto any attempt to stop the sunset.

:headbang:
rocktivity

[ProSense]

2. Greg Sargent commented on this

Sargent:

<...>

While that's a good message, it really is dispiriting to see this same old B.S., where Congressional Dems try to preemptively blame their own lack of spine on Obama's alleged failure to provide them with marching orders. Yes, the White House is important in setting direction and tone. But if Pelosi and Reid want a vote on extending just the middle class cuts, they can simply hold one. If you want a tough and coherent position in this fight -- as Pelosi surely does -- adopt one! Not rocket science.

Politico is likely trying to fan the flames to advance the RW message.

[Phx_Dem]

3. Exactly! Everything is Obama's fault. Congress has no duties or responsibilities

at all.

:cry:

[Phx_Dem]

4. Oh puhleeeze! Did these morons forget who actually votes?

It's you! Look in the mirror and tell yourselves not to cave, idiots.