Harry Reid: 'We're Not Going To Have A Grand Bargain'
Source: TPM
SAHIL KAPUR OCTOBER 24, 2013, 5:42 PM EDT
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) on Thursday put the kibosh on prospects of a deficit-reduction "grand bargain," instead making clear this his priority in upcoming negotiations will be to get rid of sequestration.
"That's all happy talk," he told KNPR Nevada Public Radio. "I would hope that were the case but we're not going to have a grand bargain in the near future."
"I hope that we can do some stuff to get rid of sequestration and go on to do some sensible budgeting," he said.
Pressed repeatedly during the interview on what it'd take for him to consider cutting Medicare and Social Security, Reid stammered, "You keep talking about Medicare and Social Security. Get something else in your brain. Stop talking about that. That is not going to happen this time. There's not going to be a grand bargain."
:::snip:::
Read more: http://talkingpointsmemo.com/livewire/harry-reid-we-re-not-going-to-have-a-grand-bargain
Harry Reid: 'The Rich Want To Pay More' In Taxes
SAHIL KAPUR OCTOBER 24, 2013, 6:10 PM EDT
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) told KNPR Nevada Public Radio on Thursday that upper earners want to pay higher taxes, ripping into Republicans for steadfastly refusing to accept new revenues in a budget agreement.
"The rich are getting richer and the poor are getting poorer. The rich know that. The rich are willing to pay more," he said. "They're not the ones out here saying 'please don't tax me.' The only people who feel there shouldn't be more coming into the federal government from rich people are the Republicans in Congress. Everybody else, including rich people, are willing to pay more. They want to pay more."
Reid said a "grand bargain" isn't going to happen in the upcoming budget conference talks and said Democrats will maintain their refusal to give in to Republican demands on fiscal issues. He said he wants to get rid of sequestration.
Asked if he wishes he'd refused to make concessions in 2011 over the debt ceiling, Reid said, "Yes."
:::snip:::
http://talkingpointsmemo.com/livewire/harry-reid-the-rich-want-to-pay-more-in-taxes
IrishAyes
(6,151 posts)However, my own take on this is that while there are doubtless quite a few decent rich people, I'll never believe that decency defines their class overall. They know fat cows give more milk, that's all; and they're aware the herd's on the verge of stampede. Never can predict the outcome of those, except plenty of ranchers likely to get stomped. So I'll bet your house it's largely enlightened self interest at best.
Still, better that than nothing.
The Stranger
(11,297 posts)See my post below.
IrishAyes
(6,151 posts)It would be helpful and enlightened self interest, however, if you can refrain from doing everything possible to undermine him since he IS a great public servant. Regardless of your opinion, thanks for sharing.
The Stranger
(11,297 posts)He's just horribly ineffective as a communicator.
And when your party has better policy and a potentially larger, expanding base, you just can't be a bad communicator and lead.
IrishAyes
(6,151 posts)communicator as you maintain? He IS elected Speaker by his peers, you know. Consistently, over a long period of time. I think you're confusing your dislike with reality. The GOP has tried for years to drive a stake through his heart to no avail. Saying he's a poor communicator is as off the mark as saying that about the President and Nancy Pelosi. Together they form what the TPs call an unholy trinity.
The Stranger
(11,297 posts)And you answered your own question: He is elected by his peers.
And U.S. Senators are not the same type of people that vote in U.S. elections. He can cozy up to them and schmooze, but when we are trying to get millions of Americans under our umbrella -- we need to speak in a way that is effective.
IrishAyes
(6,151 posts)But hardly to my own or many others'. Of course I answered my own question: for the benefit of those who might be clueless.
Trying to back up your own misperceptions with more of the same only compounds your mistake. You might desire an outcome beneficial to all, but when your basic premise remains false, you'll fall far short of the goal. Weak premise, weak argument, weak result.
The Stranger
(11,297 posts)He is a brilliant speaker and a remarkable communicator, despite the fact that he has had to overcome the most incredible spate of entrenched racism seen in decades against his very person.
Nancy Pelosi -- she may actually worse than Harry Reid.
IrishAyes
(6,151 posts)Nope. Not buying it. All the sincerity in the world doesn't make you right. Sounds more like you might be trying to tear down some of our better leaders; is it to enhance your own sense of superiority, boost your chances of advancement, what? I accept that you might have honest reasons for attacking them, but the road to hell is paved with good intentions. Besides, I believe you're flat out wrong whatever the motivation.
The Stranger
(11,297 posts)Your posts have become all about me.
IrishAyes
(6,151 posts)sheshe2
(83,860 posts)GOTV 2014 Clean up the House.
Thanks Don
JDPriestly
(57,936 posts)Scurrilous
(38,687 posts)jwirr
(39,215 posts)Yo_Mama_Been_Loggin
(108,168 posts)PoliticAverse
(26,366 posts)wtmusic
(39,166 posts)PSPS
(13,613 posts)They fill out their forms, just like all of us, and pay the amount due. Saint Ronnie cut their taxes by 2/3, and it's been there (or lower) ever since except for a brief 3% extra or so during Clinton (back when we had to "worry" about the surplus.) Returning the top bracket even to only 50% would more than wipe out the deficit.
JDPriestly
(57,936 posts)I suppose you could send an extra check, but I don't know what the government would do. Why don't you try it and then let the rich know how it worked for you? Let us all know.
I suppose there is a way to do it. Is there a place on the form where you can explain that you are sending either an extra check or a larger one that is required or making a larger direct deposit than is required?
Also I think the idea is to have everyone who is benefiting so greatly from the new technology and earning much more than in the past while working people have not gained pay a bigger share. They are benefiting more from the progress made that is most definitely based on computers (the result of government investment) that they should pay more in taxes to support more government investment.
PoliticAverse
(26,366 posts)There are two ways for you to make a contribution to reduce the debt:
You can make a contribution online either by credit card, checking or savings account at Pay.gov
Online: https://www.pay.gov/paygov/forms/formInstance.html?agencyFormId=23779454
You can write a check payable to the Bureau of the Public Debt, and in the memo section, notate that it's a Gift to reduce the Debt Held by the Public. Mail your check to:
Attn Dept G
Bureau of the Public Debt
P. O. Box 2188
Parkersburg, WV 26106-2188
beerandjesus
(1,301 posts)Where a portion of the profits went to paying down the national debt?
Hosnon
(7,800 posts)rurallib
(62,444 posts)as you can guess right now it is hot, hot, hot
mrsadm
(1,198 posts)Demeter
(85,373 posts)and I'll take back everything I ever said or thought about you.
(But my money is on you bending like a "reed" in the wind...)
840high
(17,196 posts)IrishAyes
(6,151 posts)I seriously doubt you'd accept Harry's accomplishments regardless of what he does. But I realize some people will never be satisfied or even pleased no matter what. Fortunately when they're in the vast minority, their ability to damage is minimal.
silvershadow
(10,336 posts)The Stranger
(11,297 posts)Phrases like "happy talk" and "I would hope" and "do some stuff" and "go on to do" are all WEAK AND INEFFECTIVE TERMS and they PLAY INTO THE TALKING POINTS FROM THE OTHER SIDE.
GO ON THE OFFENSIVE, HARRY:
1. "The REPUBLICAN LEADERSHIP -- AND IN PARTICULAR JOHN BOEHNER and MITCH MCCONNELL -- are still grappling with their own RENEGADE, EXTREMIST WING that has already SHUT DOWN THE GOVERNMENT ONCE, COSTING US $25 BILLION TO OUR ECONOMY."
2. "The REPUBLICAN LEADERSHIP -- AND IN PARTICULAR JOHN BOEHNER and MITCH MCCONNELL -- MUST GET THEIR ACT TOGETHER TO PREVENT THIS FROM HAPPENING AGAIN.'
3. "THE AMERICAN PEOPLE DEMAND NO LESS."
4. "I CALL UPON JOHN BOEHNER AND MITCH MCCONNELL TO DO SOMETHING -- ANYTHING -- TO AVOID ANOTHER SHUT DOWN AND DESTRUCTION OF THE AMERICAN ECONOMY."
5. "I CHALLENGE JOHN BOEHNER and MITCH MCCONNELL"
And then ask the reporter what John Boehner and Mitch McConnell's SPECIFIC RESPONSE TO MY CHALLENGE WAS.
Doctor_J
(36,392 posts)This is messaging. I would also name the names of the renegades:
6. Right now the defacto leadership of the GOP is Ted Cruz, Louie Gohmert, Darrell Issa, and some other crackpots. I CHALLENGE BONER AND MCCONNELL TO TAKE THEIR PARTY AND THE GOVERNMENT BACK FROM THESE RECKLESS IDEALOGUES.
woo me with science
(32,139 posts)Propose liberal solutions to address inequality. Propose taxing the rich, including the trillions stashed overseas, and ending corporate welfare.
It is well past time that Democrats work aggressively ON BEHALF of the 99 percent.
Uncle Joe
(58,405 posts)Thanks for the thread, DonViejo.
november3rd
(1,113 posts)You are really standing up for the people now, Harry! Thank you!
hughee99
(16,113 posts)why aren't the repukes pushing for it?