Okay, let's step through this...

First, there is no chance whatsoever that people making under $250K will see a tax hike next year. Zero chance. Taxes can be cut retroactively. So the idea that the common man will actually pay a penny more in income tax will go up is foolish, unless we assume that the Republican House will not renew the cuts in 2011.

So we are talking about politics, not policy.

Okay... let's look at the politics. In December the lame duck, still heavily Democratic House of Representatives passes a law extending the current tax rates for income under $250K. (Pelosi can force that in about 24 hours if she choses.) The bill says nothing whatsoever about any other taxes. The Senate would refuse to take up that bill. The Republicans and like-minded Democrats would block the bill.

So a bunch of RW a-holes in the Senate stage a stunt to block consideration of (or a final vote on) a bill giving 98% of Americans a substantial tax cut.

And we have the President of the USA on our side, with his ability to command attention and shape the national dialogue... and yet we cannot get the better of a political situation where Republicans try to force an increase of 100% of people's taxes. (Using arcane procedural tricks, no less.)

Seriously? We cannot win that situation?

Wow.

and no good answer was given why we couldn't just pass the middle-class cuts.

Near as I can tell they concluded that it was bad politics...

a single action is taken?

The Democratic Party consistently falls all over itself to give up the frame to the repugs. It is almost like they don't even want what they say they want.

Sometimes I think the Dems love the repugs because it gives them an excuse for bad policy.

the middle class only tax cuts and the Senate does not pass it. The President makes a big deal about it on how the R's are blocking middle class tax cuts.

Then, January 3rd comes. January 4th, the new House passes an extension of all the tax cuts. The Senate passes the bill as well. Then it goes to the President.

If he vetoes it the R's will make a big deal on how the D's are blocking the tax cuts - just as weekly paid workers will be getting their newly lower paychecks to reflect the old withholding rates (yes, the cuts can be retroactive and they may/will get the money back at the end of the year but try making that distinction to someone who sees their check go down $50 a week).

If he signs it the R's will crow but sides can claim a "bipartisan" victory.

Which do you think is more likely?

Or, if you see it going differently, please elaborate.