Page 30 - Bargaining Position News Today

The two main things he campaigned on, even if theres no deal, which is an instant hike on the very rich and no touching of social security, medicare and medicaid. then the republicans just as e.j. points out would have to turn around and explain why they wouldnt then want to go along with a tax decrease for 98% of voters. right? so they would have to stand up against that and that is an impossible position. if they even know that obama would consider letting them go off the cliff, i think that m...

People on january 2nd, its recessionary, but he could get the two main things he campaigned on, even if theres no deal, which is an instant hike on the very rich and no touching of social security, medicare and medicaid. then the republicans just as e.j. points out would have to turn around and explain why they wouldnt then want to go along with a tax decrease for 98% of voters. right? so they would have to stand up against that and that is an impossible position. if they even know that obama wo...

Recessionary, but he could get the two main things he campaigned on, even if theres no deal, which is an instant hike on the very rich and no touching of social security, medicare and medicaid. then the republicans just as e.j. points out would have to turn around and explain why they wouldnt then want to go along with a tax decrease for 98% of voters. right? so they would have to stand up against that and that is an impossible position. if they even know that obama would consider letting them g...

Stuff. >> well, its really important we look at the benefits that come to people. we have to make sure the middle class is not dumped on again -- >> im for your bargaining position, but did you say it was on the table or off the table? the entitlements? >> i said what were -- of course, theyre going to be discussed within this process. theres no way they will not. so will taxes, fair taxes, not only to eliminate the taxes for the wealthiest 2%, but also looking at taxes that unfairly determine y...

His s a loser. he has also made noises, as dana points out, he wants to be part of the solution going forward. hes going to be a little more conciliatory than they have been in the past if they want to get anything done. because the republicans dont want this fiscal cliff bomb to go off, because then their priorities are going to be in the firing line. >> you could have fooled me, michelle. when i listened to him giving an interview to abc news and he says i dont believe in raising any taxes, do...

We have to find what were all most interested in, how to find a way through this very difficult task. >> well, most people looking at it from 30,000 feet say the deal has got to include revenues, entitlements, defense, everything. whats your view? everything or not some things? >> absolutely. we have to look at the whole picture. i mean, we came into this meeting very clearly wanting to talk about fairness in taxes, talking about no cuts tomedicai, but also about jobs. weve got to keep this econ...

They probably woke up a sleeping giant, so im glad in that sense they understand that. chairman frank, thank you so much for your time tonight. >> my pleasure, al. tonight president obama today met with labor leaders and other progressives at the white house, chatting away forward for his second term. "the huffington post" reports the president told them he was, quote, not going to budge when it comes to the bush tax cuts for the rich. joining me now is michelle carter, washington corresponden...

Politically speaking, thats never been something popular for a politician to say. but do you think that is changing now? >> it would have to change. and in a way it isnt really change. this president ran twice on this and won twice on on it. he wants to do something about people who make over $250,000 a year household income. and there is some bargaining room there. theres talk about moving it up to a million instead of 250,000. but the one thing nobody can say is that hes springing this on us a...

Will take both sides. >> im not suggesting he not make a deal. im suggesting he use the strength of his bargaining position to make a deal. >> the key thing, whether boehner at the end of the day can make the deal and remain speaker. >> exactly. >> thats the whole issue back in the summer of 2011. its the same issue now. and the interesting divide is going to be between the house republicans and those senate republicans. we tend to lump them together. remember there was the gang of six that ende...

Substantive happenings including the repeal of dont ask dont tell, extension of payroll tax cuts and unemployment insurance and unfortunately an extension of the bush tax cuts. a lot happened in the lame duck session, so thats a possibility again for this year. >> i think we cant look at this in a vacuum, though. it makes sense to wait right now and talk pessimistically about the lame duck session. no one knows what the composition will be after the elections. if your party is suddenly in a bett...