Obama is in a position to demand - and get - tax rate increases on the wealthy.

[reformist2]

If this lame-duck Congress won't do it, just wait until the next one in January. The new House and Senate will be even less controllable by the Repugs. Plus, going over the fiscal cliff will scare Repugs a hell of a lot more than Dems... But what if the Repugs want a compromise on tax reform? Rate increases AND close tax loopholes. There's your compromise.

[Blue4Texas]

1. Nice finesse Mr. President

[Jim__]

2. Without any legislation, taxes increase automatically.

All Obama has to do, which he has said he would, is refuse to sign any legislation that continues the bush tax cuts for people making over $250,000/year. Once that automatic tax increase goes into effect (for everyone), he can agree to sign legislation that reintroduces the cuts for those making under $250,000/yr.

[SickOfTheOnePct]

3. Assuming such legislation ever gets to him n/t

[Jim__]

4. The democrats can introduce tax cut legislation.

The republicans have all sworn an oath to grover norquist not to oppose any tax cut legislation.

[ProgressiveProfessor]

5. He can certainly try...not so sure about demand

We do not control both houses and anti tax sentiment is still around

[reformist2]

7. I maintain their side is weak - we certainly should go to March before any talk of compromise.

[bluestate10]

11. Even though democrats have the advantage, if this goes on for several months, democrats

lose that advantage. Voters are clear that they want a solution. Except for Romney and republican red state voters (not the good ones that voted for Obama and democrats), who want a government of hate. One democratic Senator elect is proposing raising the lower amount to $500,000. My guess is that the President prefers $250,000, likely for what I think is a personal reason. A $250,000 lower amount tax group would insure that the President and First Lady are covered by the increased tax. If the lower amount is $500,000, the First Family may not be covered by the tax increase. I prefer the $500,000 amount, with the First Family getting an exemption to pay the higher rate, there are ways of doing that.

[PoliticAverse]

6. You know that the Bush tax cuts expire in Jan. if Obama does _nothing_, right ? n/t

[reformist2]

8. Yes. But as others are pointing out, there is pain to our side if we go over the cliff.

I'm just saying let's stick to our guns and not compromise until we've seen the other side squirm.

[PoliticAverse]

9. 'pain to our side' - what Obama might not be reelected again if he lets the Bush tax cuts expire? nt

[RobertEarl]

10. No cliff

What is going to happen is the defense budget will be cut.

A few other federal budget items will also be cut.

The the republicans will vote to restore spending increases showing themselves to be hypocrites.

The only cliff is the one republicans are standing on. The rest of us are still on flat ground, how some ever, still in a ditch.

Obama is about to help the republicans over the edge.

[bluestate10]

12. Elimination of the Bush tax cuts is not related to the Fiscal Cliff. People need to decouple

the two in their minds. The Fiscal Cliff is coming about because of republican intransigence on raising the debt limit. I agree with you. President Obama should agree to a 1 month extension of the Fiscal Cliff only under the condition that Bush tax cuts expire and republicans agree to a tax plan that increase rates on any one making more than the number the President throws out. If republicans don't agree, then the country goes over the Fiscal Cliff and Bush tax cuts expire on January 1.