President Barack Obama in recent days seems to have adopted a new word to sum up his presidency in place of his previous favorite, "change." Compromise seems to be the name of the game now, at least when it comes to dealing with the incoming Republican majority in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Obama is working with Republicans to extend the Bush tax cuts to all, including individuals earning more than $250,000. The deal also calls for the estate tax to be set at 35 percent and apply only to estates valued at over $5 million. The plan has drawn the ire of many of Obama's fellow Democrats.
Rep. Steven Lynch (D−Mass.) stated in regards to Obama's compromise, "I don't believe that caving in to the Republican position is in the best interest of the American people right now."
Rep John Conyers (D−Mich.) came out more strongly. "I can tell you with certainty that legislative blackmail of this kind by the Republicans will be vehemently opposed by many if not most Democrats, progressives and some Republicans who are concerned with the country's financial budget," he said.
Democrats are outraged by the tax deal as it allows the already very wealthy to hold onto their money while simultaneously adding to the country's already staggering deficit — rightfully so, as America's financial future is grave indeed if both parties are not willing to compromise and do so soon. Furthermore, many House Democrats view Obama's acquiescence as a form of weakness and a lack of passion, as opposed to well−played bipartisanship.
These angry Democrats seem to have forgotten one simple fact: Republicans won the majority in the House. America has spoken and Obama will have to work with a Republican−controlled House for the remainder of his term.
Unlike many on the right and the left, Obama seems to understand the importance of bipartisan politics, especially when the strongly unified Republican Party will soon have a majority in the House. Furthermore, while the Republican tax plan is projected to add $4 trillion to the nation's debt over the next decade, the Democrats' plan will still add about $3 trillion. Neither of these plans are good for the United States' long−term financial future, which retiring Sen. George Voinvich (R−Ohio) noted when he suggested, "We have to blow up the place," referring to Congress.
By compromising with Republicans on their staple issue of low taxes for all, Obama is working toward his campaign promise of bipartisanship. Extending the olive branch to the Republicans might also put Obama in a better position to work cooperatively with future Speaker of the House John Boehner (R−Ohio) later on down the road — and will hopefully work to address the national debt. So while the Democrats may call Obama weak, stupid, insensitive or whatever else they can come up with, he's playing it smart.
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