Why don't they just make the Bush taxcuts permanent and get it over with??

[kentuck]

That is the big issue that both sides are talking around.

Republicans have been arguing for months that businesses need to know what their tax rates are going to be in the near future and the Democrats have been arguing that we need more revenue. They are talking about the Bush taxcuts.

If Obama wants the Republicans to play ball, put those taxcuts on the table and they will all gather round. But there's just one little problem. It's a political hot potato for him. He can't give that to the Repubs until after the election.

Don't you think that is the issue they are thinking about but are not talking about directly? Both sides covet it but only one will end up with it.

[MrDiaz]

1. um

The Bush Tax Cuts expired, I think you are talking about The Obama Tax Cuts... right?

[kentuck]

3. Not officially...

but that is the effect of the extension. The Republicans instantly jumped on him for the huge debt and deficits, much caused by the Bush taxcuts, and he has been on the defensive ever since.

[pintobean]

2. They became the Obama tax cuts on Jan. 1, 2011

[Lasher]

4. That's what it's all about, more money for rich people.

Affluent contributors have expectations when they give money to candidates.

[iamtechus]

5. The cuts could be useful when bargaining with greedy repubs

[kentuck]

6. ...and then give them away?

in negotiation? For what?

[bowens43]

7. they are permanent

they became permanent the moment they were enacted. There was never any doubt of that.

[Dawgs]

10. +1. Sad that some still don't see it. n/t

[COLGATE4]

8. The Italians (absolute masters of bureaucratic government) have

a saying: "Nothing is so permanent as something that is called 'temporary'".

[obxhead]

9. The Obama tax cuts are permanent. It will be made official

in the lame duck session of 2012.

[Javaman]

11. You mean they aren't?

please, this will be the new time honored political kabuki theater of the absurd for ever.

They will have their arguments, but in the end, they will always be extended.

we don't live a nation that helps people, we live in a nation that subsidizes the wealthy.