Republicans cannot accept a compromise where they get 90% of what they want.

[kentuck]

The President's offer to make permanent the Bush taxcuts for 98% of the people is 80% of the entire Bush tax cuts. That, in itself, is something that Bush could not accomplish in 2001 or 2003. He could not make those cuts permanent.

On top of that, the President has offered cuts in Medicare and an extension of the payroll tax cut, ie, Social Security. The Republicans have balked. They refuse to raise taxes one red cent on anyone, including the billionaires who have behaved like bandits.

All in all, they would be getting about 90% of what they want and they refuse to take it. What else can the President offer them??

[CJCRANE]

1. Therapy. nt

[kentuck]

2. That is an option.

[Jackpine Radical]

4. I think that old joke applies here: How many psychologists does it take to change a light bulb?

One.

But the bulb has to want to change.

[CJCRANE]

5. That just about sums up the problem

[kelliekat44]

3. We should be making a list and "checking it twice" to find out if the GOP is going to be naught or

nice...just in time for the 2014 elections. We must keep tabs and produce ads that memorialize their positions.

[wiggs]

6. Good overall point and I buy it. BUT...Obama's proposal provides a income tax cut for 100% of

income earners, not 98%. EVERYONE's tax is at the lower rate for the first 250K of income. Only on income amounts over 250K will the top 2% feel an increase of 4%. If you're making 300K in adjusted gross income, you pay the SAME rate as everyone else on the first 250K, then 4% more on the next 50K...an increase of just 2,000 dollars. A pittance for someone in that bracket.

So your point is even more valid, since the gop won't accept a compromise in which everyone gets a tax cut.

And...keep in mind that we're talking about adjusted gross income. Someone with an adjusted grow income of 300K could easily be actually making 400K before deductions. So...someone making 400K per year is going to somehow be adversely affected by paying an additional 2,000 dollars in taxes??? Not likely. I wish these distinctions would be more clear in the media and by dem leaders....

[kentuck]

7. That is true...but

they will also get a tax increase on income above $250K. So, in reality, they get a tax cut and a tax increase.

[1StrongBlackMan]

8. I agree with 97.3% of your post ...

All except for this:

On top of that, the President has offered cuts in Medicare

President Obama has not offered cuts in medicare; he has offered reduced spending on medicare through cost-savings ... There is a big difference, in framing. The former can only be seen as harming current or future beneficiaries; whereas the latter, is what he has promised.

[kentuck]

9. Good point!

You should be framing for the WH.