No matter how you feel about the deal on tax cuts, I think everyone can agree that holding the middle class hostage for the rich. I just want to point out some of the upside of what happened:
- Congressional Democrats are finally speaking passionately about economic issues – stimulus, unemployment and taxes.
- The media is finally covering what Democrats are saying, and more importantly, what progressives are saying.
- In my opinion, Obama’s press conference was the first time that the full import of Republican obstructionism was explained in a way that the American people can understand. Plus it was covered by the media.
- The mask of Republican hypocrisy on the deficit has finally been ripped away in public. All news story lead with the cost of the deal to the deficit and Republicans shrugging it away.
Remember, this is not a done deal yet, not even close. Right now progressives do hold some leverage and we already know Republicans are willing to pay to get what they want (this is perhaps the GOP’s only idea with the exception of repeal hcr). Will this lead to an active progressive movement? I guess time will tell but I hope that the left has learned that change takes hard work and doesn’t lie with just having the presidency or Congress.