This could also be the GOP calling the Democrats’ bluff.
The Democrats have been counting on the GOP to draw a line at no new taxes, so they (1) wouldn’t have to come up with any actual spending cuts, and (2) could (along with their friends in the MSM) blame the GOP for things falling apart.
Now that the GOP has put some tax increases on the table, the Democrats have to come up with at least some spending cuts.
This could be smart poker by the GOP, or, as someone said, this could just be the GOP caving.
Regardless of the outcome, Republicans will be blamed for whatever happens. It's amazing that we NEVER learn this.
Therefore, we have nothing to lose. So hold the damn line.
There will never be any real spending cuts, ever. These “cuts over 10 years” things never happen because they cannot bind future Congresses.
Tax increases will be immediate of course.
Surrender is “Calling their bluff”??
“This could also be the GOP calling the Democrats’ bluff.”
There is no bluff-calling here.
Reagan was brilliant at bluff-calling (PATCO; Reyjavik, etc.)- this is operating solely out of cowardice and weakness with the GOP today.
The gop is NOT smart... so you can eliminate that line of thought.
LLS