Easy fix to Dean's tax cut problem

[adamrsilva]

He should just put it up for a vote by his supporters like he did with matching funds. Then they would vote some sort of middle class tax relief in Dean's plan, and he could just use it as another example of how he is a politician truly for the people, irritating Dean detractors everywhere!

[papau]

1. I like it!

:-)

[Buffler]

2. What other positions and principles

should he put up to a vote?

I prefer a candidate who sticks to his positions and principles rather than sticking a moistened finger into the wind.

[burning bush]

16. Representing the people is a FINE principle

and these days, a rare one.

Dean stands on his principles by helping our voices get heard.

AND...You want to criticize that?

[Buffler]

17. Governing by polls

is not a principled stand, nor done by someone driven by their convictions.

[newyawker99]

19. Hi Buffler!!

Welcome to DU!! :toast:

[Demobrat]

3. Dean will come out with his tax fairness plan before the GE.

Don't even worry about it.

[AP]

4. easy fix: support a candidate who has taken this issue seriously from the

start.

[adamrsilva]

5. Whatever. Thanks to constant attacks Dean is, on this issue,

damned if he does, and damned if he doesn't. Besides, what's more appealing than a politican who actually does what you want? ;)

[dansolo]

6. Not the same thing

The vote on whether to forego matching funds was not a policy matter. Since the decision to forego funds would place more emphasis on Dean's supporter's to contribute more money to offset any loss of matching funds, it was appropriate to query his supporters. I do not want him having a poll for every single policy decision. That would reflect very poorly on him and his campaign.

[adamrsilva]

8. I'm half way joking on this

but if Dean changes, people will say this is the worst flip-flop of all and he will be damaged. But if Dean comes out and says, "I'm not sure about this, few people seem to agree with me. I'm going to leave it up to my supporters. It's their campaign afterall" then it would limit damage from his change on position.

[maxr4clark]

7. Even easier

Vote for a different candidate :)

[NewYorkerfromMass]

9. He'll end up taking Kerry's position

a true Democratic one. Dean is not a true Dem.

[adamrsilva]

11. Was Kerry being a true Dem when he voted for the war?

That's laughable.

[Buffler]

12. How is Dean not a true Dem?

Give specifics please.

I am not a Dean supporter, but I would never say he isnt a true dem.

[Feanorcurufinwe]

13. Dean's record as governor

(When Dean became governor) they (liberal Democrats) were all thinking, oh we got a Democrat back in the governor's office. And all of the sudden they find Howard Dean's worse on spending (than Snelling). The state was headed into a recession at the time. And Snelling before he died, he and Ralph Wright cut a deal on raising the income taxes and (inaud.) the deficit--a few years of austerity. Howard stuck with the plan. And as Dick McCormack (Democratic Senator from Windsor) will tell you of the meeting where he (Dean) met with the Democratic Caucus and told them then, and this might have been before, when he was still lieutenant governor, and told the Democratic Senators, you're never going to win because people don't trust you with their money. None of your great and lofty goals and plans and aspirations will ever be achieved because people don't trust Democrats with their money. We got to prove it to 'em. And that was key. I mean his political enemies for the first three terms were Democrats at the State House, not Republicans. Republicans loved his budgets.
--Peter Freyne, veteran Vermont political reporter
http://www.gwu.edu/~action/2004/dean/dean0702/freyneint.html

Whether or not he is a 'true dem', I guess is a matter of opinion and characterization. But he certainly is not from the 'Democratic wing of the Democratic party'.

[Feanorcurufinwe]

10. Maybe if he becomes President he could run a poll for every decision

he makes to see if it is the popular one. Then if it is the wrong move he can duck responsibility, saying he was just doing what the people wanted.

I wouldn't be surprised though, if Dean does change his tax stance. That would be in line with his say-and-do-anything-to-get-elected style.

[w4rma]

14. He should just release a tax plan and point to his editorial where he says

…
BY HOWARD DEAN
Friday, August 22, 2003 12:01 a.m. EDT
…
We can do better. As president, my economic policies will be focused and clear. I will begin by repealing the 2001 and 2003 tax cuts, and using the revenues that result from the repeal to address the needs of the average American, invest in the nation's infrastructure and, through tax reform, put money in the hands of those most likely to spend it.
…
I will give tax reform a top priority in my administration. But unlike the tax initiatives of the current president, my program of tax reform and relief will be targeted to the average Americans who are struggling to make ends meet--not those whose needs are well provided for.
…
http://www.opinionjournal.com/editorial/feature.html?id=110003920

[Adjoran]

15. Not so easy at all

Remember that Dean has promised national health care, to be "paid for" with the revenue from repealing tax cuts. That already doesn't add up, since he's taking roughly $700 per household in tax cuts and claiming to give $3000 worth of health care for it. If he changes his mind about taxes, the health care plan will be even more in the red.

The only way running a poll on the subject would help is if he charges people to vote in it!

[w4rma]

18. A poll tax? (n/t)