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From partisan perspective, ‘cliff’ may not be that scary
Washington Post ^ | 12/31/2012 | Zachary A. Goldfarb & Rosalind S. Helderman

Posted on 12/31/2012 8:45:57 AM PST by Qbert

To many Americans, what’s going on in Washington looks like a circus show that isn’t the least bit entertaining — the nation’s leaders seemingly unable to come up with a deal that keeps most people from paying higher taxes.

But there is a logic to it. For all the posturing of the last few weeks, both sides see a measure of political upside in going over the “fiscal cliff” — or, at the least, an advantage in waiting until the last minute, since they want to avoid drawing the ire of their most loyal supporters by appearing to cave too quickly.

[Snip]

Republicans, who control the House and still maintain a good bit of power in Washington, also see the merits of going over the cliff.

Not voting for a deal means not voting for a tax increase, which has been a central tenet of the party for more than two decades. Many Republican lawmakers are loath to give up their purity on the issue, in part because they are more concerned about a primary challenge than their standing in national opinion polls.

With eye on primary challenges, a deal is more dangerous than no deal for most Republicans in Congress.

If they go over the cliff, they, too, could quickly move to cut taxes. In the meantime, they would seek to blame President Obama and other Democrats for the largest tax increase in generations.

Many Republicans also believe they can get a better deal with Democrats in an upcoming debate over the nation’s debt limit. In about two months, the government will no longer be able to pay its bills unless Congress takes action to raise the limit on federal borrowing. Many in the GOP think that deadline gives them the upper hand.

(Excerpt) Read more at washingtonpost.com ...


TOPICS: Government; News/Current Events; Politics/Elections
KEYWORDS: fiscalcliff

1 posted on 12/31/2012 8:45:59 AM PST by Qbert
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To: Qbert

Go over the news media’s stupid “cliff”

layoff the entire federal government workforces starting with the EPA, FDA , IRS, FCC etc.

Hold GOP, Don’t give in to any deal, never surrender


2 posted on 12/31/2012 8:49:23 AM PST by Democrat_media (media makes mass shooters household names to create more & take our guns)
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To: Qbert

Well, if the Washington Post says the Democrats aren’t afraid to go over the cliff, that means the Democrats are terrified.


3 posted on 12/31/2012 9:00:55 AM PST by blueunicorn6 ("A crack shot and a good dancer")
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To: Qbert

If Obama has pulled out, that means they’re really scared. They’re doing everything they can to protect the image that is Obama.


4 posted on 12/31/2012 9:03:41 AM PST by blueunicorn6 ("A crack shot and a good dancer")
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To: Democrat_media

"Go over the news media’s stupid “cliff”"

Yep. Reminds me of the MSM's big Y2K scare-fest 12 years ago. The world was going to end; civilization as we knew it was going to vanish; dogs and cats were going to fall from the sky. And yet somehow we're still here.

5 posted on 12/31/2012 9:04:03 AM PST by Qbert ("The best defense against usurpatory government is an assertive citizenry" - William F. Buckley, Jr.)
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To: Qbert
Many Republicans also believe they can get a better deal with Democrats in an upcoming debate over the nation’s debt limit.

No, that happened 4 trillion ago. Rs let go on the budget b/c of leverage on debt ceiling. LOL

Hold to a balanced budget. Hell, it's only Rs even putting out a budget - shouldn't be hard to sell that.

Then, after getting something during budget deal, get more with debt ceiling. The worst thing that can happen is that the fed gov spends less.

And the article is right - Rs who deal will be primaried HARD b/c they are the ones enabling money that is earned to be confiscated and given to someone who isn't earning enough.

6 posted on 12/31/2012 9:40:13 AM PST by Principled
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To: Qbert

This thing is looking a little scary to us. We’re middle class, have a few kids....ect. We’re wondering what outcome this mess could have on our income tax “refund”. (yes...I’ve always known the whole refund thing is a giveaway/welfare scheme, but after they passed TARP, I totally don’t give a shit)


7 posted on 12/31/2012 10:02:20 AM PST by KoRn (Department of Homeland Security, Certified - "Right Wing Extremist")
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