It is up to Barack Obama.

[kentuck]

It is not up to the Democrats. It is not up to the Republicans. It is up to the President.

We knew that the number one item on the minds of the Republicans was the taxcuts for the wealthy. We knew that, right?

The Dems and the Repubs are going to debate and then vote to extend the taxcuts for the wealthy, along with everyone else. That is not the end of the story. It has to go to the desk of the President for his signature.

He should veto it.

With a clear and steadfast explanation, he should send it back before it expires and let them work out a compromise. He should state that he will sign a bill that cuts taxes for the middle class but not the millionaires and billionaires. Then it will be up to the Republicans to agree or the taxcuts will expire. Where are the President's advisers?

[liberalmuse]

1. No compromise on this.

Absolutely none. On anything of this nature. If he does, I will be greatly disappointed, and if Dean were to run against him in 2012, I would have to vote that way, as much as I love President Obama. Dean has proven himself to be a fighter. We really need a fighter with Boehner and his cronies taking over the House.

[kentuck]

2. It is time for the President to show some leadership..

and this is the issue. Veto and take the heat.

[DCKit]

3. "...number one item ... taxcuts for the wealthy."

#2 is the end of Social Security and making poor, old people pay for MediCare. Basically, all social spending is lumped in.

[lonestarnot]

4. VETO! VETO! VETO! VETO! VETO! VETO! VETO! VETO! VETO!

We are counting on you Mr. President!

[kentuck]

5. I do believe that his best option...

That would put the ball in the Repubs court. Either they sign the middle class tax cuts or they let them expire. It is up to them. The President will sign it if they pass it. Checkmate.

[treestar]

6. Let the middle class taxes go up?

Is this with the Republican Congress? With that, the only way to keep the middle class tax cuts would be to give the rich theirs. I can't imagine the Republican House letting just the middle class keep the tax cuts, can you?

Sorry but letting the middle class tax cuts expire would be a terrible move. They will just blame Obama for raising their taxes. The rich would have their taxes back up, true, but they aren't as numerous, and they will buy tons of TV time and have tons of M$M airtime to just boil it down to "President Obama raised your taxes." And the Republicans have the gall to do this in spite of their going on about the deficit for two years. The voters are incapable or remembering that, and the Democrats don't get enough publicity for what they say in the media.

So I think we are trapped.