The Modern Independent

Why Passing the Tax-Cut Deal is a Political Must-Do for Democrats

If Democrats don’t pass the tax-cut deal they will effective abdicate the debate over the economy for at least the next two years and effectively ruin any chance for making electoral gains in 2012.  Here is the reasoning from NBC News’ First Read:

Dems decide to fight and get nothing when the tax cuts expire at the end of the year. Then, on Jan. 6, the new GOP-led House “comes to the rescue” and passes legislation to extend the Bush-era tax cuts. So say the economy recovers a bit but not gangbusters. Well, the GOP will criticize Democrats for creating uncertainty at fragile time. Or say the economy recovers gangbusters in 2011-12, the GOP will have an argument to take much of the credit. Bottom line: If Democrats line up and try to kill the compromise, the political price they could pay might be much higher than they fathom as they'll be on the wrong side of the economic argument -- no matter the outcome. At least they can control the process for now.

This analysis is both prescient and absolutely correct.  In fact, I think this is going to be the GOP’s first and last line of attack two years from now if the deal does not go through.  However prudent the tax-cut deal may or may not be in terms of good policy (I am decidedly torn on whether it is good policy or not), the political calculus here could not be more clear:  The Democrats are going to have to vote for this compromise. 

About Ryan Dawkins

graduated Summa Cum Laude with bachelor degrees in Political Science and History, and a masters degree in American History.