theres the rub aint it??? NObody is willing for their taxes to go up, regardless of what some tax sheltering billionaires might claim...
the vast majority [mid income] will bitch and moan if the rates arent extended, as you say, the pressure on the CONgress-critters would be huge, and theyd be crucified in the press...
and, the ideological battle would take a hit as well, as you cant claim that lower rates result in more *revenue* [which is demonstrable if the 'R's would bother] and simultaneously threaten millions of people with crimping their budgets, and the resulting fed *loss* as well...
pass the damn middle extension, and then keep pushing for the top % as the economy crashes...
I think the House leadership has already decided to pass the under $250K billl and send it to the Senate, and not pass anything else this year on the cliff, just like I been saying they must. they been leaking it out.
All this negotiating crap is just Bohner playing to the MSM and his own members.
No drama required here. House Republicans have no choice. For them to use the middle class to as shields to fight for ‘the rich’ on such a visible battle woulfd be party suicide. Obama and Pelosi would love it. The best Christmas present they ever had.