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.
C - vote “Present”. Likely outcome(s) - taxes raised on people making over $250,000 a year. Taxes remain the same for those making less than $250,000 a year. Media praises Democrats and Democrat voters see this as a win. Media and Republican voters confused. Costs to Democrats - people making over $250,000 a year unhappy with Democrats. Benefits to Democrats - viewed as victory. People making less than $250,000 a year see Democrats as benefactors. Costs to Republicans - people making over $250,000 a year unhappy with Republicans. Republican voters confused. Benefits to Republicans - they can’t be blamed if Obama’s plan fails. They weren’t for it or against it.