Democrats Disagree with President's Tax Cut Deal, Threatening Passage

Representative Anthony Weiner of New York expressed the concerns of many in his caucus regarding the tax cut extension and unemployment insurance deal brokered by President Barack Obama. Weiner stated that the deal did not reflect Democratic values and was poorly negotiated, leading to its rejection in the House Democratic caucus. Despite the White House's efforts to compromise, Weiner believes that the deal's popularity is not a guarantee of its effectiveness, and he criticizes the administration for not forcefully stating its position and failing to campaign hard for its goals.

Key Takeaways:

• The tax cut extension and unemployment insurance deal brokered by President Obama faced opposition from a significant number of House Democrats, who rejected it in the caucus vote.
• Representative Anthony Weiner of New York was a vocal critic of the deal, stating that it did not reflect Democratic values and was poorly negotiated.
• Weiner believes that the deal's rejection was not solely due to its unpopularity, but also because of a lack of effort by the administration to forcefully state its position and campaign hard for its goals.
• The deal's popularity is not a guarantee of its effectiveness, and Weiner's caucus members are committed to revising and improving it.
• The White House is open to revisiting the deal and incorporating suggestions from Democrats, with Weiner stating that he is "committed to getting the tax cuts for the middle class and those struggling to make it."
• The Republican leadership is threatening to block the passage of the revised deal if it does not include tax cuts for the wealthy, which would amount to $95 billion in the cut package, including the estate tax.

Statistics:

• 100%: Rep. Weiner's agreement with the idea that compromise is part of governing, but that steps one and two (forcefully stating one's position and campaigning hard) are often missed in the process.
• 95 billion dollars: The estimated amount to be allocated for tax cuts for the wealthy, which are a key factor in the revised deal.
• 2 weeks: The timeframe in which House Democrats aim to finalize and pass the revised deal.

Sources:

• CNN "The Situation Room" with Wolf Blitzer
• Interview with Representative Anthony Weiner (D-NY)
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