O is not calling for (those) higher taxes because he thinks it will generate significant deficit reduction.
He is calling for those increases because he knows its the most popular of all the other options, (meaning cutting spending).
And he knows the GOP will oppose it trapping them again. (in fact demanding cuts to future entitlements instead.)
O demands higher taxes on over $200/250K of income. Is this enough to slow the economy noticeably? If so then what if Obama gets it? If not then the GOP is in trouble anyway.
Taxes go up automatically so House Republicans need to vote for NO tax increases, unless they are stupid. Extend the tax cuts below that, then go home.
One thing they both agree on is stopping the cost of living increase for SS recipients. Why stop there? They should extend that to the entire fedgov. NO cost of living increases for anyone who is in elected office or works for the federal government in any capacity whatsoever. Period.