“No, it’s the only way to guarantee Dim take-back of the House in 2014”
Right now, I’m thinking the ‘rats stand a good chance of taking back the House in 2014 no matter what the Pubbies do.
Consider these three scenarios (as results of the current “fiscal cliff” struggle):
Scenario 1: The Republicans do nothing, and allow sequestration to occur:
Result: The ‘rats will blame the higher tax rates and cuts in the military on the Republicans in 2014.
Scenario 2: The Republicans fight to the end, and force entitlement cuts along with “revenue enhancements” (along with higher taxes on the wealthy) in the final plan.
Result: The ‘rats will blame cuts in SS and other entitlements on the Republicans in ‘14, and blame the Pubbies for “raising taxes on the middle class”.
Scenario 3: The Republicans do nothing, a la “John Galt”, and allow the democrats to pass whatever tax plans they wish, eliminate the debt ceiling, etc.
Result: The ‘rats will take full credit for “raising taxes on the rich”, and for “protecting your entitlements”, and blame the Republicans as do-nothings who refuse to help the American people.
What other course of action might there be for the Pubbies to do?
And make no mistake — no one cares about 2016 yet. We have to survive 2014 first.
If the Republicans do NOT “survive” the 2014 election, they might as well be finished as a national party.
Your third scenario misses the mark (you are right with the first two). If the GOP gives him the tax he wants it will do nothing to improve the economy in any way. In fact things will slide further. The GOP could then run on the fact that they comprimised big time and look what happened. It might not work but it is the only chance for 2014.
The GOP has done this to themselves.
By advocating the export of American jobs, the GOP has doomed itself.
Bring back American jobs!
The Republicans should pick up the slogan, NO BALANCED BUDGET NO TAXES.
Encourage all Americans to ask for extensions on taxes unless there is a balanced budget finished.
Demand a stopping of the 40 billion a month QE printing.
Tariffs, get out of the WTO Naffta.
Tax on all incomes to pay for illegal immigration, call it a immigration tax.
Run ProLife Conservative Latinos and have them preach that the democrats have hoodwinked them into supporting the things that go against their family and religion and culture, HOMOSEXUALITY AND ABORTION
Shift to offense.