Harry Reid Tries To Box GOP In On Tax Cuts Vote

[cal04]

http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2010/11/harry-reid-tries-to-box-gop-in-on-tax-cuts-vote.php

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid says he's willing to do "whatever it takes" to extend the Bush tax cuts for the middle class, up to and including allowing a vote on extending all the cuts, not just those on incomes below $250,000.

Speaking to reporters on Capitol Hill this afternoon after a Democratic caucus meeting that focused on the Bush tax cuts -- which will expire in January unless something is done in the lame duck session -- Reid said that he's willing to allow a vote on Republican Leader Mitch McConnell's plan to extend all the cuts in exchange for many votes on dealing with the upper-income cuts while letting the middle class cuts continue.

Such a bargain would put Republicans in the politically tricky position of having to filibuster middle class tax cuts, or abandon their goal of permanent tax cuts for wealthy Americans.

"We want an opportunity and -- and we mean plural -- to vote once, twice, whatever it takes to show the American people that we support the middle class," Reid said. He said there could be "multiple variations" on how to proceed on the cuts for wealthier Americans.


Reid, Senate Dems go hardball on taxes
http://thehill.com/blogs/on-the-money/domestic-taxes/130051-senate-dems-decide-to-play-hardball-on-taxes-after-marathon-meetings-

[veganlush]

1. K&R n/t.

[progressoid]

2. And this couldn't have been done before the election?

[sally cat]

3. Sounds good, again, Harry. But having you deliver on this would be better.

[Winterblues]

4. "up to and including allowing a vote on extending all the cuts"

This is tricky? It sounds like he has already caved if you ask me...

[gratuitous]

5. De-couple them, and force a vote on each piece

Pass the cuts for income under $250,000, then vote on extending the cuts for income above $250,000. What could be simpler, and what could illustrate more starkly whose in thrall to the wealthy, and who really cares about the middle class? This ain't rocket surgery, Harry.

[w4rma]

6. Yup. Just vote on each section seperately. (nt)

[the redcoat]

7. I'm so happy they're finding their fighting spirit...even if it took this long nt