Once again, not something one would associate as compatible with the precepts and foundation of the Democratic Party.. :D

Regardless, the Democratic Party has changed considerably since FDR's time.

In the here and now, the DP is not a Party that is conducive to strong leadership, as you yourself have attested to...

Michale.....

Not sure what your point is..

We're talking Presidents, not Attorney Generals...

Further, you seem to mis-interpret my intent..

I stand firmly and solidly behind **FDR's** decision.. It was a logical and necessary decision, given the circumstances of the time..

I simply point out that such a decision is not in keeping with the Democratic Party's foundation..

In fact, it illustrates quite clearly how the Democratic Party foundation is not compatible with the world we live in, in the here and now...

Michale.....

I have to say that is the funniest thing I have read in a while.Have you forgotten FDR?Roosevelt was a genius at using opponents for his purposes.

FDR was 65+ years ago..

Nearly 2 generations...

And, don't forget.....

FDR jailed tens of thousands of Americans for NO REASON whatsoever, sans their ancestry...

I don't know if such an example bolsters your case for Democratic Party superiority...

Michale.....

Democrats, by the very nature of their Party, best serve in a support role, an advisory role.

Historically speaking, this is an accurate assessment.

Michale
I have to say that is the funniest thing I have read in a while.Have you forgotten FDR?Roosevelt was a genius at using opponents for his purposes.

Due to the very nature of the Democratic Party, it's not conducive to strong leadership. Especially in a time of war..

Democrats, by the very nature of their Party, best serve in a support role, an advisory role.

Historically speaking, this is an accurate assessment.

IMNSHO....

Michale.....

I don't think Obama will do this because it is a bit risky.

That sums up a lot more than the issue you were addressing, I fear.

I think a "millionaires' tax" would be a great move politically for the Dems, but at this late date it's doubtful they'll show this much savvy...

-CW

Something I stated about a month or so ago... :D

Michale....

I like Geithner's approach too. But I don't believe Obama is going to be willing to fight for it lock, stock, and barrel given the recent election.

In fact, if anything, we'll be lucky if he doesn't accept the complete renewal of the Bush cuts.

So what I'm proposing is a way for him to win most of what's in Geithner's proposal in the face of the recent election.

If Vegas accepted bets on it, however, I would put a lot of money on Obama renewing all of the cuts.

Cheers
David

Why are you and so many others apparently so quick to offer up compromises to such a common-sense and responsible approach to dealing with the Bush tax cuts as has been outlined by Treasury Secretary Geithner?

In terms of next steps, I think the President needs to pick and choose a few battles. He needs to appear to be fighting for what he believes in rather than starting out with a compromise.

One opportunity: the Bush tax cuts. His position is, I believe, much stronger than he thinks. Here is what he should announce: "If we can't reach a compromise on the Bush tax cuts, then I'm going to let all of them expire."

Simple. Republicans have been arguing that including the rich would be "fair". Well, letting everything expire would be fair. He should also come out on record and say that the reason for taking this stance is to cut the deficit. "We should not be taking out loans so we can give money to the wealthiest Americans. And if Republicans can't compromise, then we should let all of these cuts expire."

I don't think Obama will do this because it is a bit risky. But I think it's a fight he could win.

Second point. The proposals from the deficit reduction committee surprised me a bit. They actually do appear to be pretty bi-partisan. At least at first glance. Still want to know more, but it appears no one is really spared.

My guess, however, is that the things that ultimately won't get cut are those with the best lobbyists. But this is going to be interesting to see. Looking forward to seeing what you think about this in the coming days.

Cheers
David