Legal Commentary

The Bargaining On The Bush Tax Cuts

By Big Tent Democrat

Ezra Klein:

It's worth saying, again and again, that the Bush tax cuts cannot pass without Democratic support. They expire before the House changes hands. And even if they didn't, Democrats still control the Senate and the White House. They have a much stronger negotiating position than the Republicans: They can decide what passes, and Republicans have never been willing to end the tax cuts for most Americans simply to preserve the tax cuts for the rich. But though they're the party in charge, Democrats aren't acting like it.

Here's what Ezra Klein won't say - President Obama does not need to bargain with anyone if he wants the Bush tax cuts to expire. He can simply veto any bill that extends them (and he does not need to announce this either.. He can just do it.) From that position, the President can negotiate new tax cuts for the middle class. It really is that simple.

Speaking for me only

Full post as published by TalkLeft on November 16, 2010 (boomark / email).