GOP, liberals doubt dem leaders’ tough rhetoric on taxes (The Hill)

July 17, 2012

By Alexander Bolton

Democrats are talking tough heading toward a year-end showdown over the Bush-era tax rates, but some liberals and Republicans are skeptical they will back up their rhetoric with action.

President Obama and Democratic leaders took a similar stance ahead of the 2010 midterm election and then backed down in December of that year by extending virtually all of the George W. Bush-era tax rates in return for a payroll tax holiday and unemployment benefits.

Many rank-and-file Democrats were outraged by the deal and vowed they would not let it happen again, but some liberals and Republicans see a possible repeat of history.

When asked if he thinks Obama and Democratic leaders will stand firm at the end of this year, Sen. Bernie Sanders (Vt.), an outspoken critic of the 2010 deal, said “maybe.”

Sanders, an Independent who caucuses with Democrats, was so angered by the agreement Obama struck with Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (Ky.) he held the Senate floor for eight and a half hours to voice his opposition. He said more Democrats are coming around to his view.

Read the whole article >>

Tags: ,