Posted on 11/29/2012 9:25:46 AM PST by SkyPilot
Listen to top Democrats and Republicans talk on camera, and it sounds like they could not be further apart on a year-end tax-and-spending deal — a down payment on a $4 trillion grand bargain.
But behind the scenes, top officials who have been involved in the talks for many months say the contours of a deal — including the size of tax hikes and spending cuts it will most likely contain — are starting to take shape.
Cut through the fog, and here’s what to expect: Taxes will go up just shy of $1.2 trillion — the middle ground of what President Barack Obama wants and what Republicans say they could stomach. Entitlement programs, mainly Medicare, will be cut by no less than $400 billion — and perhaps a lot more, to get Republicans to swallow those tax hikes. There will be at least $1.2 trillion in spending cuts and “war savings.” And any final deal will come not by a group effort but in a private deal between two men: Obama and House Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio). The two men had a 30-minute phone conversation Wednesday night — but the private lines of communications remain very much open.
No doubt, there will be lots of huffing and puffing before any deal can be had. And, no doubt, Obama and Congress could easily botch any or all three of the white-knuckle moments soon to hit this town: the automatic spending cuts and expiration of the Bush tax cuts, both of which kick in at the end of this year, and the federal debt limit that hits early next.
(Excerpt) Read more at politico.com ...
Bammy wants that participation trophy
My, this is a bit embarrassing!
Why Tex, the source is moi, who ruefully admits to having bent the elbow for many a year in the nation's capital, often in the exactly the same festive venues chosen by the RINO King. N.B., dear lady, that I do not accuse Mr. Boehner of being ungentlemanly or useemly in his after-hours pursuits. He is the soul of midwestern country club charm.
That is, RINO Boehner is no slobbering Ted Kennedy. But like Ted, and my former unreformed self, he has always been in the forefront of those who enjoy ethanol and the company of attractive women.
Ping
“The one glaring part of this article to me is the picture of Boehner. I am sorry, but he is hung over or drunk. Period. Look at him.”
To me, it looks like he’s been accepted into the Choom Gang and has been puffing the magic drag-on.
Reggie has not yet been replaced. No one safe!
Got old Reggie out of town well before the campaign got hot, didn't they? Wonder who will take his place in the playroom now. Val and Axelrod working on it now.Stay stuned.
The usual. Real tax increases now, make believe spending cuts.......someday.
bump
I vote drunk!
Who is the creepy guy?
That’s Captain Windmark. He’s an observer.
The usual. Real tax increases now, make believe spending cuts reductions in the rate of spending growth.......someday.
*
I had to look him up. I’ve never seen Fringe...any good?
In my opinion Fringe is the best show on TV. Anyway, it’s my favorite show. It’s sort of a new version of ‘The X Files’. If you enjoyed ‘The X Files’ you’ll love ‘Fringe’. But you’ll have to catch up on a few years of episodes because this is already announced as the final season of ‘Fringe’.
FRegards,
LH
I think it’s available on Hulu. I don’t have cable tv.
I forgot to say thanks...thanks.
It’s not really on a cable station.
It’s on the regular Fox affiliate, Friday nights.
But watching episodes on the computer sounds good. I’ve watched a few episodes on my computer before.
obama is always slapping people on the back or putting his hand on their sholder. I wish one person would stand back and say “Don’t touch me!”
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