IMHO the GOP should agree to a tax increase for the rich in return for the cuts in spending. Result will be a rebellion by the Dems against the deal because they truly do not want cuts in entitlements. We keep forgetting the deal is not just tax increases, but also entitlement cuts. If the Dems try to modify the entitlement cut schedule, GOP has the pretext to back out of the deal by pointing out that they concede on taxes the Dems must make concessions also. Dem hardliners may argue that the GOP agreed to modified tax increases on the rich only, thus the Dems have the right to modify entitlement cuts. Problem is Dems now argue against sparing the middle class from tax increases???!!! If this game is played properly, the Dems can be hung on their own arguments. Obama gave the GOP an opening, I say take it and agree tax increases for rich. Now the Dems will gag over entitlement cuts and the mess they will be in as they try to squirm out of it.