Rand Paul: We Should Let Dems Raise Taxes And Then Let Them Own It

Real Clear Politics ^ | December 6, 2012

[Pinkbell]

SEN. RAND PAUL: I have yet another thought on how we can fix this. Why don't we let the Democrats pass whatever they want? If they are the party of higher taxes, all the Republicans vote present and let the Democrats raise taxes as high as they want to raise them, let Democrats in the Senate raise taxes, let the president sign it and then make them own the tax increase. And when the economy stalls, when the economy sputters, when people lose their jobs, they know which party to blame, the party of high taxes. Let's don't be the party of just almost as high taxes.

LARRY KUDLOW, CNBC: Some people have called that the doomsday scenario. Others have said, 'Look, it's a strategic retreat on the Republicans' behalf.' WWould you vote present for that in the Senate if that came up?

RAND PAUL: Yes, I don't think we have to in the Senate. In the House, they have to because the Democrats don't have the majority. In the Senate, I'm happy not to filibuster it, and I will announce tonight on your show that I will work with Harry Reid to let him pass his big old tax hike with a simple majority if that's what Harry Reid wants, because then they will become the party of high taxes and they can own it.

[Pinkbell]

I've seen this suggested before on FR after the election. There can be arguments made both for and against this of course. On one hand, you could argue that the Republican politicians were elected to fight for conservative ideals and should against the Democrat liberal ideals. On the other hand, you could argue that the majority of Americans chose liberalism by giving us Obama and a Dem Senate. They obviously think the Democrats are doing a good job and believe in higher taxes and government expansion. Let these people have it, and let them see what a mess it will it be. If you don't give it to them, they'll claim that higher taxes and government expansion would have worked had it just not been for those Republicans interfering. This way, they can't blame the Republicans. The problem with this: When it fails, the Democrats will do what they always do. They'll say that they just need more time, more taxes, and more government expansion. Sadly, I could see the voters buying that and voting for more Democrat rule. That's what happens in cities like Detroit. Then the country could be on a further, irrevocable course left.

[1rudeboy]

My problem is with the “let them own it” assumption, which ranks up there with the “a president cannot be reelected in a poor economy” assumption, as far as I’m concerned.

[DBrow]

The dems will raise taxes and the blame will go to republicans.

[Wisconsinlady]

What does Rand Paul mean by “he will work with Harry Reid?”

[Gene Eric]

The problem is the GOP has two leading idiots that sound like they have marbles in their mouths. Neither are in a position of skill nor personality to play this game.

[Pollster1]

That makes no more sense than Israeli Soldiers allowing terrorists to murder the innocent so that they can blame the terrorists for murder: (1) In both situations, the innocent get hurt, and (2) In both situations, the media will still blame the good guys. Republicans should do what is right - stand up for spending cuts, not cave in on extra taxes to support increased wasteful spending.

[Theoria]

How else are ya gonna get the Dems to cut anything? Oh, wait, how else are ya gonna get the GOP to cut anything as well?

Seems like this cliff will be a start at cutting anything.

I will be interested to see how the markets react to the 'cuts'?

Will they go up because of 'cutting'? Down, because of less Gov't spending? It will be interesting.

[Graewoulf]

Gutless, doormat, RINO File.

[plain talk]

People that suggest this have not thought it through.

1. In a rational world where people understand economy lessons of cause / effect this might make sense. We had 4 years of effects of Obama with unemployment in 8-10% range. Obama was reelected and there was little to any fallout on Obama.

2. In a smaller country where cause & effect happen rather quickly this might make sense. The US is a huge country and is extremely resilient mainly due to its people. Effects of higher taxes would be a continued drag but don’t count on some immediate depression when Obama raises taxes

3. The MSM will distort whatever factual effects occur

To a certain extent we have no choice but let Obama do what he wants because he has more votes. I see no reason to go on record supporting anything he does hoping for some crash effect. Our people should always go on record opposing everything he does. There is no need. He has the votes to do most of what he wants anyway.

[HiTech RedNeck]

They won’t own it, they will invariably blame the GOP for their own idiotic request.

[impimp]

If Rand is sincere, then he is wrong. He will damage the country and conservatism. If Rand is not sincere, then that is bad too.

[Taxbilly]

So he is saying let it pass without one Republican vote. The trouble is Obama care passed without one Republican vote, and we still have Obama care.

[C210N]

The problem with this line of thinking is that, once implemented, it will HURT real people. Badly. We're talking perhaps life-changing financial devastation to some.

I'm with the thought that republicans do what is right and what is principled. Have VIRTUE, and practice it. If we go down, then we go down fighting. I do not want to go down belly up.

George Washington, in his will, bequeathed a set of fine swords, much like the power wielded by republicans on taxes, with the stipulation that:

"...These swords are accompanied with an injunction not to unsheathe them for the purpose of shedding blood, except it be for self defense, or in defense of their Country and it’s rights; and in the latter case, to keep them unsheathed, and prefer falling with them in their hands, to the relinquishment thereof. . . .”

[chessplayer]

Let them own it? Does he mean like the way they have owned up to anything the last 4 years? They WILL NOT own up to it. obama and Pravda USA will stick their fingers in the face of the GOP and say,,,your fault!

[Arlis]

I can see both sides.

This is the biggest “no win” situation I have seen the Repubs in in my 67 years. I see no solution.

They are damned if they stick to their guns and the political damage will be incalculable. In the long run, the damage to the Repubs will be possibly fatal for national elections.

They cannot cave in because to do so is to do incalculable damage to the nation.

But then, they are the ones who let themselves get in this situation by agreeing to the committee of 12, and in a sense signed their own death warrant - and gave all the leverage to the Dems. All with good intentions, I’m sure. Naive. Stupid. Blind.

We need someone with Solomon-type wisdom to deal with this one - and I don’t see anyone out there even close........

[sheikdetailfeather]

Here is the way I see it. Based upon how the last election went in which most people still blame Bush for the bad economy, I believe they will still blame him even more in four more years even after the rich are taxed by Obama. I believe at that point, they will beg Obama to make himself dictator for life and tax the rich even more than he did in 2012 because it was not enough. The media will ensure all of this and so will the educational system.

[Navy Patriot]

Nope, demand serious spending cuts put into full effect FIRST, then we'll talk about how to increase revenue.

Otherwise, Republicans will pass only tax and spending cuts for Zer0's veto.

If Zer0 doesn't like it he can dissolve the house.

[o2bfree]

As far as I’m concerned, “conservatives” who cause huge deficits ain’t very conservative now are they. Boehner is the second most liberal speaker of the house in the history of the USA... This thanks to his continuing resolution that spent trillions of USD.

It is time to balance the budget.

Rand is totally correct. If the democrats vote for their huge tax increase, it could help flip the senate back to GOP control.

It would also lower the deficit

[flamberge]

“Let them own it” is merely wishful thinking on the part of the losers in the political wars.

The Democrats will redouble their efforts with every failure and blame that failure on their opponents. A critical mass of the population will support the Democrats in the well-founded belief that they will get their “fair share” of the loot.

This will continue with ever greater intensity until loot is no longer available to appease the mobs. At that point the mobs will turn on everybody who is within reach.

Most of the people who support the Democrats will never learn anything from the failures of socialism and will continue their support quite literally to their dying breaths.

Plan accordingly.

[o2bfree]

The devastation is coming if and when the USA goes bankrupt. Balance the budget now!!!!!