Bush tax cuts: Could liberal Democrats block Obama's compromise?
(Read article summary)Democrats have the votes to block the president's compromise with Republicans on extending the Bush tax cuts. But many might have to accept that with Republicans set to gain more power in Congress next year, this is the best deal they're likely to get.
Liberal Democrats aren’t happy that President Obama has agreed to the framework of a deal with congressional Republicans to extend Bush-era tax cuts for ratepayers of all income levels, including the rich.
It’s true that the administration would get something back from this deal that’s important to many Democrats: extension of government aid for the long-term unemployed. But prior to the recent midterm elections Mr. Obama campaigned hard on limiting tax cuts to those making $250,000 a year or less. Some liberals think now that he’s just caving on the tax issue without putting up a fight.
“This is a direct betrayal of a core Obama campaign promise, and the essence of political malpractice and negotiating incompetence,” said Adam Green, co-founder of the Progressive Change Campaign Committee, in a statement.
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