because of how these things were extended in the past. However, I do think most economists have said that if we are going to continue this insane short term austerity crusade rather than a long term debt reduction plan with some targeted spending during recession, AND raise taxes on the poor and middle class it would be a recipe for another slow down. I don't think that is untrue, and I don't think a lot of the Dems really want the tax cuts for the top 1% extended....but, if the GOP hold all of the other tax cuts/credits hostage AND threaten to slash spending in a major way immediately, the Democrats will be in a shitty situation with the average voter when their tax credits or spending programs they rely on disappear. It's basically a trap.

won't spend because of lack of demand for consumer goods. The lack of demand is caused by high unemployment and home foreclosures and personal debt.

If they are sitting on trillions of dollars, taking some of that away to spur demand by increasing government spending would be a good thing because it puts more money into circulation and eventually trickles back up to the wealthy.

Now if they are sitting on trillions of dollars with low tax rates, how does keeping them low get them to spend it?

He's right. This is not the time to raise taxes on the middle class. We are still up against some very strong deflationary currents.

They haven't created any jobs, and there has been no trickle down effect.

It's time for the Democrats to stand up to the Republicans with these facts and let the tax cuts for everyone expire if the GOP won't give in.

The Bush tax cuts have only helped the millionaires get wealthier, and they're not doing anything with the money anyway. Let them expire.

appear to be looking at a "consensus", I guess that's the right word.

will make the debt ceiling limit be reached around the end of September. One can only imagine the battle increasing the debt ceiling will create 6 weeks before the election. Sure, Geithner can take the money from retirees and prop up the treasury, but it's not going to be a pretty fight.

It will be much more palatable for the President to agree to extend ALL tax cuts for some period of time (9-18 months) - yes, cut a consensus deal to get the debt ceiling raised - and promise that major tax reform will be a priority in 2013. Meanwhile, defense spending will continue to bulge, the rich will get richer, and the invisible poor, well, they'll just have to suck it up.

call me "ye of little faith..."

His excuse for extending them last time was one of the flimsiest pieces of bullshit I've ever heard from a politician. If he'd do it then, he'll certainly do it again. My only question is will they make them officially permanent this time, or let them "expire" again in... oh... let's say four years.

to do something about tax inequality - besides, politicians do best at kick the can down the road; means they can always pull out the "look what you're doing to our children and grandchildren" mime.

a game of 'court the plutocrats' these days. And Citizens United certainly isn't going to help as time goes by.

A lame duck president with a DLC outlook and lots of "flexibility" might just see it as a chance to prove how committed his party is to service.

in fact increase taxes for those earning more than $1 million.