Chalk up a major win for President Obama and the Democratic Party in the payroll tax cut debate.
Congressional Republicans, led by Speaker of the House John Boehner conceded defeat to Democrats on Friday, in a fight that would have meant higher taxes for the middle class on January 1st, limited Medicare benefits to the elderly and lost unemployment benefits to millions of Americans who remain out of work.
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| House Speaker John Boehner |
House Republicans and Senate Republicans fought amongst themselves over extending the payroll tax cut, while President Obama wisely stayed above the fray, remained presidential and set himself up as the defender of the middle class. The Tea Party wing of the GOP was hell-bent against passing the legislation, regardless of the political ramifications. But the old guard of the party recognized the incredible gift they’d be handing Democrats by not passing it, as well as the political hit they would take just as they’re entering the 2012 political season. So in the end, Boehner made the call and got the legislation passed for the president’s signature.
President Obama played the entire debate like a fiddle. And now, the Tea Party is livid at Speaker Boehner for caving to Democratic demands in the 11th hour, which only illuminates the deep divide and brewing civil war within the Republican Party. They wanted an all out brawl with Mr. Obama no matter the consequences, that Boehner was just not willing to risk.
So, it appears the public infighting within the GOP combined with the president’s defensive tactics on behalf of the middle class, may have just set Mr. Obama up for a stellar beginning to the 2012 political season.
And if the President truly *GETS IT*…he'll put up a REAL fight for the poor and middle-class while staying CLEAR of the madness unfolding within the Party of Know-Nothings, Nutjobs and Haters. The President should trust NO polls (not even polls showing his numbers improving). Pollsters, like the media, have their own agenda and are NOT to be trusted. I've paid attention over the years to how *polls* have PLAYED politicians (including John McCain in 2008). Pres, Obama MUST work his rear off and frame his own narrative…ride it hard to the finsih line next November.