The VAT also falls short in terms of efficiency.
If they are economically 'exactly the same', as you say, then why in the world would you want to complicate everything, adding huge compliance burdens to business?
The only possible reason for supporting that is if you WANT the tax load to be hidden from the American people.
Actually the VAT is more efficient. Less opportunities for evasion.
There are some forms of VAT that are just as transparent as the FairTax. Although compliance is arguably more complicated. Not compicated by the record keeping required,mind you, just complicated by the difference in the number of people who must comply.
There are other forms of VAT that cascade, as well as hide the taxes, but not all. FYI