It's a Kabuki Christmas
by digby
Uh huh:
The deal Democrats fear will be pushed by the White House would give the GOP a two-year extension of all tax rates. In exchange, Republicans would allow for an extension of unemployment benefits for a yet-to-be-determined period. Democrats would also get smaller tax provisions that they have been pushing for this past year, such as the Make-Work-Pay tax credit. They would also secure a vote on the START Treaty, a nuclear non-proliferation pact with Russia.
"All of this could change rapidly, said one top Hill aide. "It is clear the White House has been pursuing the strategy for the last 24 hours or so. The question is how will it be perceived in the caucus?"
I think the better question is how they all want to be perceived by the media. The Democrats want to be seen as being forced (to do what they wanted to do anyway) and the Republicans want to be seen as forcing them to do it (while still having impending "tax hikes" to beat the president over the head with in a presidential campaign). The the President wants to be seen as the mushy conciliator (so that "Independents" will love him.) And they all want to be seen Santa Claus by benevolently "giving" unemployed citizens a tiny little stipend at Christmas,(while they reward their wealthy friends with endless riches.) I think they can get that done.
Needless to say, this could all go kerflooey if one Senator decides that this Kabuki dance is not to their liking.it could be anyone.
Update: Word is that the Senate is going to hold a vote on middle class tax cuts. Maybe they can change the dynamic. If they want to.
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