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As though he needed it, House Speaker John Boehner received yet another reminder Tuesday of his principal challenge of finding a resolution to the fiscal cliff morass without alienating the core of his own party, a position that has been all too familiar in recent years.
Shortly after Republican House leaders offered a proposal to avert impending tax hikes and spending cuts, conservatives attacked it as a betrayal of core principles, putting the top GOP lawmaker in a difficult bargaining position against President Barack Obama.
"Speaker Boehner's $800 billion tax hike will destroy American jobs and allow politicians in Washington to spend even more, while not reducing our $16 trillion debt by a single penny," Republican Sen. Jim DeMint said Tuesday in a statement. The South Carolina senator – an influential figure among conservatives – was referring to the new revenue projected in the GOP proposal that would come from closing loopholes and deductions in the tax code rather than rate increases.
The president continues to push taxes increases for those making more than $250,000 as part of his plan to raise $1.6 trillion over the next 10 years, but he suggested those tax rates could eventually be lowered. NBC's Kristen Welker reports.
Recommended - Poll: Public would blame GOP more for fiscal cliff failure
The White House rejected that proposal at first glance, reasoning that Boehner and House Republicans offered no concessions to Obama's central demand that income tax rates be allowed to increase for the wealthiest Americans.
In short, Boehner is being pulled in opposite directions by an administration which demands more compromise from Republicans, and by conservatives who expect the speaker to cede no ground. That leaves him with few options to craft a deal. (Boehner allies point, ironically, to some past comments by DeMint suggesting allowing some tax increases might be politically expedient.)
Tim Phillips, the president of the Koch Brothers-backed group Americans for Prosperity, said Monday that Boehner's proposal "leaves conservatives wanting."
"By placing an $800 billion tax hike on the table, Republican Leaders are engaging in little more than pre-emptive capitulation," Heritage Action -- the political wing of the Heritage Foundation think tank -- said in talking points provided Monday to its followers. "The latest Republican proposal to President Obama is nothing but bad policy and a highly questionable negotiating tactic."
The fiscal cliff counter-offer issued by House Republicans has one thing in common with last week's White House proposal – neither was designed to win any bipartisan support. The Daily Rundown's Chuck Todd reports.
This pressure on Boehner from his right flank could have the unintended benefit of signaling to the White House just how narrow his space to negotiate really is. But if Republican leaders do strike a deal with Obama, rank-and-file GOP lawmakers might publicly break with their leaders for fear of alienating constituents and incurring a primary challenge in 2014.
That’s a now-familiar dynamic to anyone who closely tracked the fiscal fights which dominated Congress for much of 2011. The government was brought to the brink of shutdown several times as conservatives balked at supporting deals Boehner had struck with Obama and the Democratic-held Senate. This same discord produced that summer’s debt limit deal, which established the automatic spending cuts that make up half of the fiscal cliff.
It’s this same cast of characters who must now forge the kind of compromise which has eluded Washington for months.
“We're nowhere. We're farther than where we started,” Wisconsin Rep. Paul Ryan, the former GOP vice presidential nominee, said of the negotiations Tuesday on WTMJ radio in Wisconsin. He said that Obama is now demanding higher tax rates than the ones on which he had campaigned.
Related: Fiscal cliff deal may be found in the middle
As if to illustrate the delicate balance Boehner must strike, when Oklahoma Republican Rep. Tom Cole suggested last week that Republicans should accede to Obama’s request that Congress authorize extended tax cuts for all but the top 2 percent of earners, the GOP speaker emerged to dismiss it. “I told Tom earlier at our conference meeting that I disagreed with him,” Boehner said.
Adding to Republicans’ political headache was a new poll released Tuesday suggesting Republicans would assume the lion’s share of blame from voters if the government were to cross into the fiscal cliff. Fifty-three percent of Americans said Republicans in Congress would be more to blame for a failure to reach consensus in a Nov. 29-Dec. 2 poll conducted by the Pew Research Center and the Washington Post. That’s unchanged from a month ago, despite a messaging barrage by both GOP leaders and the president over the past few weeks.
“If you watch the nature of what Republicans have done here, we’ve talked about this and passed legislation last year,” House Majority Whip Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., responded on CNBC. “We’ve responded to every presidential proposal. We’ve been first on the mix. The actions don’t hold up to where the polls are, but we want to make sure we solve this problem and that we don’t go over the fiscal cliff.”
News reported Monday by NBC that Boehner had moved to strip four GOP lawmakers of plum committee assignments due to disloyal behavior during the past two years has only threatened to exacerbate tensions between Boehner and influential conservatives, too.
Alex Wong / Getty Images
Speaker of the House Rep. John Boehner, R-Ohio, leaves after a news conference Nov. 30, 2012 on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC.
"The dirty little secret in Congress is that while refusing to kowtow to the wishes of party leaders can sometimes cost you some perks in Washington, the taxpayers back home are grateful," said Club for Growth President Chris Chocola.
"This is a clear attempt on the part of Republican leadership to punish those in Washington who vote the way they promised their constituents they would -- on principle -- instead of mindlessly rubber-stamping trillion dollar deficits and the bankrupting of America," added Matt Kibbe, of the Tea Party-oriented group FreedomWorks.
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"Bonehead Boehner" is a not going to 'compromise' on any issue either economic and poltical. He is either a "Stalinist" with a 'poltical whip. or he is a "Closet Communist." The GOP/RNC "Party of NO." Not only has been saying no to jobs for the nation. "Bonehead Boehner" is now saying NO to those fellow Tea Beggers that he views as 'disloyal.' He is very big on ruling his Teabegger "House Of Hoodlum's" with full "Tactics Of Suppression." Does this sound familiar America?? No to Freedom Of Expression, no to Freedom of Speech, not to the US Constitution.The President has made the conclusion that "Bonehead Boehner" is out of touch with reality, and has proposed an "Unbalanced Economic Proposal." That is not the only thing that is very 'unbalanced' about the GOP/RNC Congress. That is for sure America!
Oh, Lordy, it's the Arab marketplace haggling in D.C.! Folks need to go back to kindergarten and learn to share - or - to first grade, so they can read the writing on the wall, 0r: for not doing their jobs, GOP should all be fired or impeached. For the good of the country, follow our LEADER and the 51% who elected him! and let's get this done before Hannukah...
Funny I was thinking that of Oblunder. The impeached part. Nothing but a squatter in the White House.
Nana: GROW UP.....it's President Obama. If you don't like the person in the job, at least have the common and adult decency to respect the position! You're ridiculous!
If the MAJORITY of Americans wanted a GOP agenda they would've voted that way!!! Heeeelllllllllllllllllooooooooooo... anybody home?
why does closing loopholes for the rich be part of this so called deal? if the rich are getting away with paying beacause of loopholes? why dont they simply end the loopholes? why is this any aprt of bargaining, ? guess it goes to show how all the coward conservatives treat the rich and how differently they treat the other 98% of us, coward conservatives in the house are destroying this country, why are they defending the rich? if the rich are getting away with cheating why are they? coward conservatives have been raping this country for 12 years now and they dont care, protecting the coward rich
Just reading most of the comments on here just proves the point that americans are dumb animals that will flock to anyone that will promice them more free stuff with the promice that someone else will pay for it....both dems and repubs AND the president are at fault for this whole mess and instead of doing something about it people would rather play the blame game. At this rate all the forfathers of this once great country are rolling over in their graves.......yes some taxes need to go up but at the same time these social programs need to be put in check instead of having people like the president giving more and more handouts just to stay in office......BOTh parties are playing this "my way or the highway" approach to everything while our enemies are jsut sitting back laughing their back sides off.....what happened to people working for what they have....what happened to a government by the people/for the people....todays youth have no clue how things work yet they have all the answers and its that kind of thinking (or lack of thinking) that has brought this once great bastion of freedom to the almost socialist craphole that we are becoming.......grow up everyone on both the left and the right......
cut entitlement spending, cut military spending, rewrite the tax code, reform immigration.
Violator & Sweetsweetdrew: Not sure what handouts you're talking about???? If you mean Social Security and Medicare....those aren't handouts since everyone who works or has worked have paid into them for all the years they've worked! I do agree that we could cut back on the defense budget....I'm tired of reading about $125 toilet bowl handles, et al. There are MANY ways to cut back by closer observation of what's going out and making sure we get what we pay for. Hey, if we could go to Home Depot and buy the same toilet bowl handles for $10....why aren't we doing that? Are we buckling down to those big defense contractor lobbyists? THIS is where we need to cut back! And, as for welfare.....stop and think intelligently for a change. Why do we have so many people on welfare and food stamps.....do you THINK it might be because we've been laying off thousands and thousands of people each day because of our crappy economy? And why have we been laying off all these people? Well, the big business people say it's because they're trying to save money. But, the ONLY money they are saving is going into their pockets! The ONLY way we're going to get this economy moving is to provide jobs so people can work and make money to spend on consumer goods.....once they have money to spend, the economy will improve!
I can't believe people keep spouting off about "entitlements," which aren't entitlements at all....we've all paid for these out of our paychecks, so we ARE entitled to them when the need arises. I'm all for means testing.....some of these billionaires don't need Social Security in their "golden years," why can't they take a smaller amount?
As for rewriting the tax code....I'm all for it. The tax code as it stands now is unwieldy and useless! Even my CPA, who has been doing his job for years, agrees with me. As he says, anyone with a lot of money can get out of paying taxes easily because of all the loopholes in the tax code.
And, as far as reforming immigration, I think that's in the plans for the next 4 years, once we get through this economy fiasco that's currently taking all the Administration's time. However, that isn't going to do much for the economy right now. It can wait.
learn to spell "promise"
Way to go didi escort these gentlemen to the door and kick them out the riff-raff all I figure is most of these guys that don';t like S.S. or Medicare ether there are ready on it or they have some rich dads>
Boehner needs to grow a pair and stop listening to all the wingnuts in his party. If not, the GOP will pay the price one way or the other.
Bohner and the flank are the problem. URGH
mr speaker--my two unemployed daughters have not benefited from the ''trickle down approach''. the republican ''job producers'' have failed to help my family as both have been without employment for 3 years. so what should they do to gain employment-go back to school? one is a lawyer and doesn't need anymore school debt -the other trained investment property manager. plenty of education but no jobs available. since they currently don't/ can't pay taxes it seems the likely source for revenue is to tax the over $250k workers. how about dealing with tax evasion loopholes which most members of congress currently use to their benefit--not too worried about the ''over the cliff'' thing since my family has already gone over. hope to see all of you responsible for this (congress) at the bottom with the rest of the unemployed but willing to work. if and when we go over the cliff will any politicians suffer any real ''fallout''?
when was the last you or anyone you know given a job by someone who didn't make over 250K?.....think about it.......
Granny you forgot that it is not just Congress that uses the loopholes. although Nancy Pelosi dose have an impressive net worth. Hummmmmm. Come to think of it Harry Reid also along with his kids. Who said land in Nevada was not profitable?
violator usa---most small business owners do not earn $250k and create more jobs than mega corporations. small business owners will be hurt by gop proposed tax increases. the rich would hardly notice a tax increase-tax the ones who can and should pay!
The trickle down approach used by Reagan created 8 million jobs after his takeover from Carter. GW Bush had an unemployment rate of 4% until 2006 when the Democrats took over the congress. Its been heading straight up ever since. If we follow the Obama plan...look for unemployment to reach the upper teens. Whether people like it or not the folks making over 250K create the jobs...take away their money and create a negative business environment and the jobs vanish. Throw Obama care, crushing EPA regs., 17 trillion national debt with trillion dollar deficits, and of course the cherry...the endless quantitative easing of 40 billion a month after failing with QE 1 and 2 on top...get ready for the grand daddy of depressions. The problem is out of control, crazy spending on ineffective, unadulterated, unsupervised projects. The government is so wasteful its amazing they have lasted this long. Romney wasn't perfect but his business expertise was stellar and we needed it...now we got trouble.
"Boehner's fiscal cliff offer under friendly fire from right" Are you feeling lucky go ahead punk make my day!
Oh the Irony!
Mr. Dimint holds the dearest principle of all Republicans...destroy American if it destroys the opposition. They know that the 1% do fine regardless. Mr. Boner, Mitchy and Cannotor we are watching you and know that your focus is not on saving America but on saving your party. Keep this course and see where you are after the midterm elections.....cant come soon enough.
The GOP can go straight to hell! This is the begining of the demise of the Republican party.
WRONG! Get a job you mooching slug.
Joe, get a brain. You clearly have nothing constructive to say looking at your posts here.
Since we are going to be blamed anyway, let's go out in a blaze of glory. The Dems love Clinton so they shouldn't have any problem reverting back to the tax rates in effect with his administration. Let ALL tax rates rise.
Since the Reps raised taxes, tell the Dems they have six months to come up with 4X the rise in taxes with cuts to the budget. If they don't do it, shut the Government down by holding the line on borrowing limit.
Raise the tax rates starting with all the wealthy crooked politicians in the entire country. Washington DC politicians at the front of the increased tax line.
Boy, it kind of stinks when democracy is at odds with what the 2% want, huh? And so 100% suffer.
Lets all jump off the man made cliff together.
All you democrat-communist slugs need to get jobs. Start paying taxes. Do something with your miserable lives. BTW, we surely do not need more tax revenues. We need you mooching slugs to get jobs and get off the wagon. You loons need to work for a living. Stop voting for a living!
Awe poor sad, pathetic Joe!!!!! Hate much??
another good bagger heard from. Guess what JT. We all pay taxes. The 47% your party hates contains 30% working poor, vets, fixed income elderly but understand you hate them all. And thats fine. Its part of being in your party to hold those you find beneath you in contempt.
Joe, so veterans are moochers? They gave their lives for us and their families are moochers. I hope you lose your job and house. You act like you love America but CLEARLY hate americans. Are you illegal by chance?
Joe is clearly the type of ignorant SOB that Republicans rely on for their base.
Have another hook, line and sinker I hear that they are tasty.
You're an f'in deadbeat Joe. I really try hard not to judge, but I can tell you have ZERO common sense and just repeat what you've heard. Keep suckling from those generous Limbaugh teets. Don't forget the drone of the BOUGHT Fox news contributors. Plenty to go 'round for you teabaggers.
Boner and the GOP are done!!!!!
It's tough to lead when those following are all armed and dangerous; not that the Republicans are actually thinking about fragging their current Speaker - not much, anyway.
Mr. Speaker will not even think about serious discussions with the White House until or unless he is re-elected Mr. Speaker in January. And even if he is re-elected, he will be little more than a eunuch. Almost have to feel a bit sorry for the guy. Almost.
Ever wonder if the 666 is on Bohner's head or Mitchell's?
No but I seriously wonder what's in their heads!!!
If you think Boehner is the leader of the Republicans in the House you are mistaken and apparently not paying attention to Eric Cantor.
These Tea Party people are idiots. Taxes are too low across the board. You can't solve the deficits by spending cuts alone. Why do they think Romney lost so badly? Because he came across as not caring about common people, the middle and lower classes. How will the Republicans come across for opposition to tax hikes on those making more than $250,000 per year? As the party that protects the rich. Stay on this course and they will become increasingly marginalized, never to achieve the presidency again.
You are correct.
You can only solve the deficit with a balanced approach of increasing revenue, through taxes, and by cutting nonessential spending.
The problem for politicians is that neither of these options are ever very popular with voters.
But as your parents should have taught you, sometimes you just have to do the right thing even if it makes you unpopular.
I agree with what you are saying mostly. If you have a kid in college that is YOUR bill to pay. It's that simple. There will be an 11th hour agreement from republicans to increase taxes. Obama looks like he grew a pair and is standing his ground. He should have done that 3 years ago. Let the govt shut down. Ask how Gingrich felt when Clinton came out smelling like the rose then.
Republicans are just plan stupid.
Ahhhhhh the GOP, slowly but surely moving into the realm of irrelevance.
I still believe that there are some good Republicans out there. If Christie runs in 2016 I would definitely consider voting for him. Definitely if his opponent is Hillary Clinton. If they run a Jeb Bush or Sarah Palin instead my vote will default to whoever the Dems run, even if it is Hillary.
I am sure Hilliary will not run I think she has had enough of politics But should she run I definately would vote for her for she is one of the most intelligent thats in Washington__A REALY GREAT LADY INDEED>
Don't worry right wing lunatics the calendar is going to do that for him. tick tick tick tick
Memo to President Obama:
Stop negotiating with a "Lame Duck" Congress that will be out of business on January 1. That group is hell bent on destroying this country with a suicidal zeal for reckless and dangerous ideological, racial and cultural purity. Nothing can be done with them. Just let them and the Bush tax cuts go away. Reserve your cards to play with the new Congress. And stay in National campaign mode through 2014 to get the remainder of obstructionists defeated in the mid-term elections. That strategy will keep your base mobilized and energized to fight those GOP tyrants until the baton is passed to Hillary or someone else in 2015.
Stay the course you are on Mr. President. No "Grand Bargain" with the Devil and his Demons.
The problem is that the new Congress for 2013 looks pretty much like the Congress we currently have. Except several moderate Republicans stepped down saying there was no place for them in the Republican party anymore. So if anything the next Congress will see the Republicans being even more Conservative than they are now.
It is more likely that they will come up with some last minute hail Mary play, like another Super Committee, to delay actually having to fix the problems that they created.
You are correct. But that is why the President will have to stay 100% in Partisan campaign mode this time around. That is what they most fear. Especially considering their vulnerability in 2014 and a likely strong female Presidential challenge in 2016 (Hillary-backed by Bill & Obama). And Senator's Reid & Durbin will have to correct the rules in the Senate which allows blatant obstruction and a Minority party to control like a Majority. The current rules even allow a rogue Senator like John McCain or Lindsey Graham to usurp the will of the People or authority of the President. That has to change. All Democrats need to do is enact a rule with a 51% majority vote, that allows a filibuster to be ended by majority vote between the Senate Majority Leader, Minority Leader and President Pro Temp of the Senate (VP). With an alloowance for abstaining to allow a reasonable and continual discussion. That would work for any party in control.
Yeah Kent lets see how the Middle Class Red State dwellers like their Republican Congress in 2014 after they have grudgingly made them suffer just to keep getting graft from their Rich supporters. I'm counting on human nature myself.
The problem that the Republicans are facing here is that the vast majority of Americans favor letting the tax cuts for rich to expire, including many very wealthy individuals like Warren Buffet and Bill Gates. The Republicans are waging war for a very small and greedy minority, that will be just fine if the tax cuts for them expire anyway.
What is really at issue is that they are afraid of Norquist and what he might do to them during the next election cycle if they don't fall in lock step. It is fascism at its finest. Pushing for a powerful priviledged elite, by sacrificing the common man.
The only way that I see us avoiding the fiscal cliff is if some Republicans break from the rank and file and vote their conscience instead of what Grover tells them to vote for. You know actually honor their pledge to the American people instead of just one man.
Whoever the GOP version of "Luca Brazi" is; He and Grover need to have a "heart to heart" meeting very soon. So the political arteries can be cleansed for Boehner to work, in good faith, with the President and "FULL" House of Representatives on an agenda that positions the Nation to succeed and both parties to compete in a healthy competition.
Shadow government sleazebags like Grover Norquist are dinosaurs that need to go away!
The GOP won't have to worry about Norquist and what he may do to them in the next election....they're already screwing themselves! If they don't decide to compromise with our president and get this done, they're not going to be re-elected in 2014 anyway, despite anything Norquist does to them! He's only making it a "sure thing" that they won't be re-elected if they keep going the route their are traveling!
Let it go off the cliff. Tax rates will rise, especially for the wealthy, and in 2 years republicans will lose control of the House. Perhaps then the nation can move forward. Sounds like a plan.
I want my 'tax' money back........'Boner' is back at the 'tanning booth'.