How hard did Obama fight against tax cuts for the super-rich?

[moondust]

Obviously most of the blame for these lies with Republicans. But does anybody know how hard Obama fought against them? Did he issue his own ultimatum against holding millions of Americans hostage? Did he forcefully denounce irresponsible tax cuts at a time when food banks are strained to the limit and donations are down, medical and dental care is unaffordable for many prompting much needed free clinics to be organized in a few places, and the homeless are largely abandoned?

Was it done mostly in private so nobody would see the degree of willingness?

[dflprincess]

1. Your last line would be my guess

If he had been willing to put up a fight he would have gone public or - at the very least - included Democrats in the "negotiations".

[harun]

2. About as hard as he fought for the Public Option.

[Poboy]

3. "This is the health care debate all over again".

He pre-caved weeks ago. He tells us a bunch of lies, and then expects us to believe him.

[defendandprotect]

8. +1000% ---

[Vinnie From Indy]

4. The fact is that it was the OBAMA Admin that urged a delay on addressing this issue

upon taking office. Why? I believe it was because they had made promises before the election NOT to bring this issue to the fore until the time was right. What better time than after the mid-terms when the opposing party almost always picks up seats.

In addition, the Obama Adminstration never really tried to use the bully pulpit to wage this fight. Instead they cut a backroom deal and sprung it on Democrats in Congress at the last minute. I believe many in Congress feel snookered about being put in a position where they HAVE to support the shitty deal.

[Warren Stupidity]

5. hard

ly

[Hawkowl]

6. He believes in the tax cuts

He actually believes that tax cuts stimulate the economy. It goes right to his core beliefs being schooled at the University of Chicago and being surrounded by Geithner, Summers and Bernake. He actually believes this shit, so I think he didn't fight at all. That's why Democrats weren't invited to hash out the bill.

[avaistheone1]

7. He did a lot of

[hfojvt]

9. he was giving a number of speeches

but for some reason the M$M was not promoting those speeches and soundbites nearly as much as they are promoting the ones for the deal and attacking the left.

[Recursion]

10. What is this "fighting" you imagine goes on?

Do you think he arm-wrestles Boehner and McConnell? Challenges them to feats of strength and airings of grievances? Yells in an attempt to intimidate them? Attempts to persuade them with reason, as if the problem were that they didn't understand what was happening?

Did he issue his own ultimatum against holding millions of Americans hostage?

What form does an "ultimatum" like this take? Ultimata generally require some form of concrete leverage over the person receiving them; what leverage do you imagine Obama has over Congressional Republicans at this point?

Did he forcefully denounce irresponsible tax cuts at a time when food banks are strained to the limit and donations are down, medical and dental care is unaffordable for many prompting much needed free clinics to be organized in a few places, and the homeless are largely abandoned?

Would a "forceful denouncement" in private with McConnell, in addition to the one he delivered on national TV, make you feel better? Why?

[moondust]

11. I'm looking for real moral outrage, both public and private.

Was it there?

[Recursion]

12. Calling Republicans "hostage takers" wasn't enough?

Do you want him to insult their mothers? What?

[EmeraldCityGrl]

13. Didn't Obama promise transparency? Weren't the healthcare

debates suppose to be televised on C-Span? I also remember something about a 72 hour time period to
examine all legislation before it went to the floor. Anyone remember that?

[ladjf]

14. This isn't an answer to your question. But, I'll say it anyway.

I believe that the Obama Administration is toast. I expect nothing over the next two years but further Republican bullying. They will do it because there is nothing to stop them.

In 2012, Obama's performance during the first two years of his administration will have not only eliminated himself from winning. He has also doomed anyone who might chose to challenge to defeat.
Also, there is no chance the the Democrats would effectively kick Obama out and run someone else.

He might could be impeached if it were started by the Dems. However, I doubt that the Pubs would support an Obama impeachment. Why would they? They already have the best of both worlds.

[Peregrine Took]

15. I can see it now. He's a huge conservative and just masqueraded as a lib to

get elected and we fell for it.