Obama at the NUL: I will not raise taxes on families that earn $250,000 or less

Run time: 04:43 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4LOzxNcU6Kc   Posted on YouTube: August 03, 2008 By YouTube Member: Views on YouTube: 0   Posted on DU: August 03, 2008 By DU Member: ultraist Views on DU: 1201

 
At the National Urban League Annual Conference, Barack Obama states that he will not raise taxes on those who earn $250,000 per year.

"So we've got a decision to make. We can continue President Bush's economic policies -- the policies that got us here in the first place. That's the course Senator McCain would have us follow. He's said we've made 'great progress economically' under President Bush.

Well, I disagree. We face serious issues in this election -- and have real differences. But I'm not going to assault Senator McCain's character. I'm not going to compare him to pop stars. I will, however, compare our two visions for our economic future.

Senator McCain wants to keep giving tax breaks to companies that ship jobs overseas. I want to end them and start giving incentives to companies that create jobs here at home. Because I don't think 463,000 lost jobs this year is economic progress.

He wants to give $300 billion worth of tax breaks to big corporations and the wealthiest Americans. Under his plan, more than 100 million middle class families won't see a penny in direct tax relief. I want to put a tax cut of up to $1,000 into the pockets of 95% of working Americans. And if you're a family making less than $250,000 a year, my plan won't raise your taxes one penny -- not your income taxes, not your payroll taxes, not your capital gains taxes, not any of your taxes.

Senator McCain is opposed to regular increases in the minimum wage -- I want to index it so that it rises with rising costs. He thinks the Earned Income Tax Credit is fine as it is -- I want to expand it. He has no plans to make childcare more affordable or help people get paid sick leave -- while I do.

In the end, Senator McCain's plans, if you're doing spectacularly well now, you'll do even better. Otherwise, you'll likely be stuck running in place -- or fall even further behind." Remarks as prepared for delivery

K&R

:patriot:

Why don't they pound the FACT that ?

That's according to the non-partisan Tax Policy Institute that reviewed the two plans (see link). Isn't that MUCH better framing than saying "I won't RAISE your taxes"? Yes, I know the tax break is mentioned here, but I still don't hear the surrogates on TV talking about it in the stark "90%" terms. It's much less compelling to say Obama won't *raise* taxes vs saying he'll cut them.

Oh well, I hope we're at least using the 90% framing in our conversations (in person or online).

Seriously, why a personal attack through sarcasm? If you disagree, explain why. I may not be a genius, but you should give me enough respect to explain your position instead of responding in that way.

:)

Great post, asshole.

IIRC, only 5% of the population makes more than $250,000/yr.

but I'd have to check the Tax Policy Institute link again for the specifics.

According to that link I posted previously in this thread, people making less than $112,000 a year *individually* will pay LESS taxes under Obama's proposed plan vs McCain's (and yes, that also means they'll pay less than they're paying now).

And according to the 2005 numbers, that means 90% of Americans.

what part don't you think most people don't understand?

My ears would tend to perk up if I hear "I'm giving tax breaks to 90% of Americans."

When they refer to the richest in America, it seems like the stratosphere - doesn't even seem real to me. Also, it talks about what the Reps are doing for THEM. When I hear "I'm giving tax breaks to 90% of Americans" - that's telling me what he's going to do for ME.

Hope Obama sees your suggestion! :7

you have a good point - this was a good speech and it is THE thing he needs to be talking about. I love the way he intros it "not about britney" meaning he's going to deal with our problems....but this could be more succinct and sound-bitey. like "no more taxes read my lips" ha ha. something along the lines of what clinton would have said -- "America, I hear you! I will lower the taxes of 90% of you!" or "come January 09, 90% of you can look forward to lower taxes!" that would certainly motivate a lot of people to go to the polls. For many Americans who don't even have time to follow politics, something plain and simple like this can make all of the difference. Money talks...

Anyway, you have a good idea and I just wanted to suggest calling his campaign or emailing a suggestion to him. I called them a few weeks ago when that ignorant senator from SC had that racist bs on their website and the campaign hadn't heard about it yet; they appreciated my call, which sort of surprised me, but also taught me to be more active:-)

I like how he said, 'I'm not going to attack McCain's character or talk about Brittany or Paris...' and then delved into discussing the real issues.

Agree too, that saying, 'I wont lower taxes for 90% of Americans' might work really well.

BTW, welcome to DU CitizenPatriot! :hi:

answer the phone. :eyes:

And you've got some great lines -- the sound bites. REALLY smart! YOU should be the one to call! :7

And welcome to DU, CitizenPatriot! :hi:

Facts should be condensed into hard-hitting one liners when possible for maximum impact with low-info voters.

I know it's not always possible, but many would be surprised how often it is. That's one reason Repubs have been so successful, because they greatly simplify issues (often to the point of absurdity but hey). We don't have to sink quite as low, but the right, easily digestible framing is crucial.

put it toward debt.

George Bush has been such a disaster for this country!!!

I'm diggin it here; Thanks for the welcome and the suggestion! Yeah, when I called the campaign before, someone answered and then they kept me on the phone while they looked up what I called about and then the guy saw it and thanked me profusely for alerting them. Nice, huh? I've had a few good experiences this year with activism; I called the NAACP re some racist stuff going on with this campaign and they were very responsive. I've also called radio stations and news outlets with "story ideas" (hee hee) regarding some dumb as$ move by a Regressionist. They are always looking for a story and they will run it if it goes with their "brand". I am dedicated to overcoming the msm this time around, even if I have to spend every free minute I have writing letters, calling, emails, etc.

If Obama wants to increase per-capita revenue, he's going to have to not only raise the top bracket but close all the loopholes and introduce a new bracket for the super-rich. Otherwise he won't have enough revenue to generously strengthen social programs.

Obama also should pledge full support for the Employee Free Choice Act and say something like "If I flip-flop on the EFCA, I won't deserve your vote in 2012."