Reid and Boehner split over timing for deficit-reduction deal
The disagreement stems from a battle for leverage. Democrats want to strike an agreement now, when their political capital is at a high point following the election. They feel their position is further strengthened by the pending expiration of the Bush tax cuts and scheduled cuts to defense spending.
Republicans say a broad package would be too complex to finish in the next six weeks. But waiting until next year to complete an agreement would also help them politically as President Obama’s election mandate is likely to fade…
Democrats told Boehner they would not accept any postponement of a debt deal unless Republicans agreed to a substantial down payment, and pushed for the up-front funds to come from raising tax rates on the highest two income brackets, according to a Democratic aide familiar with the meeting.
By pressing for significant progress on a deficit-reduction deal during the lame duck, Democrats are hoping to push Republicans to accept hefty tax hikes before the new year.
Blowback
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Let the tax cuts expire.
Let sequestration happen.
Let the debt ceiling be hit, and don’t raise it.
Bam!! Balanced budget, albeit at the discretion of the POTUS.
Then, start negotiating…
JohnGalt23 on November 17, 2012 at 12:38 PM
Three years without a budget plan from the senate and now there is a hurry? Go for it Boner, you know you want to.
arnold ziffel on November 17, 2012 at 12:41 PM
Reid owns the coming disaster. L.I.B.
Difficultas_Est_Imperium on November 17, 2012 at 12:44 PM
At least Boehner will not have to hear Mitch McConnell say,
“Oh, pleeeease, go along once more time. I can’t take back the senate in 2012 if the GOP is painted as ‘obstructionist.’”
Wethal on November 17, 2012 at 12:46 PM
The House controls the purse strings. Somebody please tell Crying John about that.
The GOPers should be out in force explaining to the country how the sequestration plan came to be, who thought it up, and who signed it into law.
Then let it happen. All fingers point then point to Obama, and can be discussed by everyone while waiting in line at the unemployment office.
I know…fantasizing like this doesn’t work.
BobMbx on November 17, 2012 at 12:48 PM
A quick deal is a back room deal, with no open debate that allows the voters to apply pressure one way or the other.
A delay of six months to a year, with an agreement for open debate in the Senate and the House and a normal bill passing process would allow the people to have a small say.
Harry Reid doesn’t want this, and he doesn’t want his caucus to have to publicly debate budget and entitlement reform, so he prefers the back room. That’s why the Senate hasn’t produced a budget in three years.
It’s all to protect Harry’s Democrat caucus.
Reno_Dave on November 17, 2012 at 12:48 PM
LIB.. I want a R President in 2016.
Illinidiva on November 17, 2012 at 12:53 PM
Wake up. Voters are merely the dance hall girls with whom the pols dance when it suits them (near election time). Otherwise, we’re merely “those who must obey what the government thinks up”.
BobMbx on November 17, 2012 at 12:54 PM
Boehner will shed a tear and then cave to Dingy. Wanna bet?
Dingbat63 on November 17, 2012 at 1:03 PM
Don’t worry, Reid, Boehner will capitulate.
davidk on November 17, 2012 at 1:05 PM
I don’t think an “R” will cut it.
I want a Conservative President in ’16. Assuming there’ll be an election in 2016.
L.i.B.
davidk on November 17, 2012 at 1:08 PM
All the Rs will be conservative unless you think Butterball has a legit shot still.
Illinidiva on November 17, 2012 at 1:10 PM
I hope you’re right.
davidk on November 17, 2012 at 2:18 PM
do not take the deal.
rob verdi on November 17, 2012 at 2:28 PM
Preezy doesn’t have “an election mandate.”
L.I.B.
onlineanalyst on November 17, 2012 at 2:50 PM
Golly…I wonder who will win that one and who will get a gold participation star?
The.House.Controls.The.Wallet.
Use the G*&da*m power you were given by the people!! You pathetic spineless worms!
Mimzey on November 17, 2012 at 3:12 PM