Republican response to Democrat proposal to continue Bush tax cuts for people making less than $250,000 but not for people making more than $250,000, and likely outcomes.
A - Oppose the Democrat plan. Outcome(s) - Democrat Senate will pass. Democrats will say that Republicans support the rich over the poor. Old media will broadcast this incessantly. Plan stalls in House. Tax rates increase for all. Costs to Democrats = people making over $250,000 are mad at Democrats. Benefits to Democrats = people making under $250,000 a year see Democrats as “caring more about them”. Increase of political capital. Costs to Republicans = people making under $250,000 a year angry at Republicans for raising taxes. People making over $250,000 still see taxes raised. Benefits = people making over $250,000 a year slightly favor Republicans but wonder why they can’t stop these tax hikes which makes Republicans look weak. Decrease of political capital.
B - Support the Democrat plan. Possible outcome(s) - plan passes. Taxes increase on those making over $250,000 a year. Taxes stay the same for those making under $250,000. Media praises Democrats and largely puzzled by Republican response. Costs to Democrats = people making over $250,000 unhappy with Democrats. Benefits to Democrats = they are viewed as the winners by press and likely Democrat voters. Costs to Republicans = people making over $250,000 unhappy with Republicans.
Benefits to Republicans = they aren’t viewed as losers because they supported.