Breaking: Boehner Blinks on Budget

A climb-down?
Politics • Views: 28,587

Republican Speaker of the House John Boehner just blinked: Statement by Speaker Boehner on Debt Limit Discussions.

“Despite good-faith efforts to find common ground, the White House will not pursue a bigger debt reduction agreement without tax hikes. I believe the best approach may be to focus on producing a smaller measure, based on the cuts identified in the Biden-led negotiations, that still meets our call for spending reforms and cuts greater than the amount of any debt limit increase.”

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59 comments
1 Lidane  Sat, Jul 9, 2011 5:43:51pm

Cue the head explosions on the right.

How soon before Boehner gets threatened with a teabagger primary opponent?

2 William Barnett-Lewis  Sat, Jul 9, 2011 5:45:14pm

I'd like to believe he cares more about the country, in the end, than in the teabaggers.

3 Kragar  Sat, Jul 9, 2011 5:45:31pm

Eric Cantor is laughing his ass off now. He'll be the Tea Party's man and Boehner is the guy who caved.

4 elisabeth  Sat, Jul 9, 2011 5:45:32pm

re: #1 Lidane

How soon before Boehner gets threatened with a teabagger primary opponent again?

FIFY. :)

But I thought Obama caved on ssi and medicare/medicaid. I'm soooo confused.

5 elisabeth  Sat, Jul 9, 2011 5:46:51pm

re: #2 wlewisiii

Someone had to give in; it seems it might have been Boehner this time. And the last time.

6 Charles Johnson  Sat, Jul 9, 2011 5:47:53pm

The teabaggers are going to freak out. Put on the popcorn.

If he really is backing down, this is a huge win for Obama.

7 Slumbering Behemoth Stinks  Sat, Jul 9, 2011 5:48:11pm

"Vote that gawt-damned RINO out!!11ty" in 3... 2...

8 Tigger2  Sat, Jul 9, 2011 5:50:13pm

re: #6 Charles

The teabaggers are going to freak out. Put on the popcorn.

If he really is backing down, this is a huge win for Obama.


Obama needed to win on this one for the country to win.

9 engineer cat  Sat, Jul 9, 2011 5:51:35pm

as i read it, the threat of tax increases is gonna make the gop back down on its insistence on big cuts and plead for smaller cuts without tax increases

they still want spending cuts only

10 elisabeth  Sat, Jul 9, 2011 5:52:58pm

re: #9 engineer dog

Hopefully, that ship has sailed.

11 BishopX  Sat, Jul 9, 2011 5:53:33pm

So instead of agreeing to 4 trillion in cuts and tax increases (at a rate of 2:1 of cuts relative to revenue increases), he wants to falls back on the Biden negotiations which are aiming for 2 trillion in deficit reductions. Since the administration has already telegraphed that they would be willing to cut at least 2 trillion, now the GOP can demand the cuts without the tax increases. Color me shocked.

12 Charles Johnson  Sat, Jul 9, 2011 5:57:00pm

re: #9 engineer dog

as i read it, the threat of tax increases is gonna make the gop back down on its insistence on big cuts and plead for smaller cuts without tax increases

they still want spending cuts only

Right - Boehner seems to think he can avoid having taxes raised for his rich backers by reducing the level of craziness in his demands. But even if they reduce their demands by half, they're still crazy.

Obama should hold firm and insist on the tax increases.

13 theheat  Sat, Jul 9, 2011 5:57:09pm

re: #6 Charles

'Bout time. My inbox has been flooded with howler monkey anti-Obama rants in anticipation of the budget negotiations.

14 Decatur Deb  Sat, Jul 9, 2011 5:58:08pm

re: #11 BishopX

So instead of agreeing to 4 trillion in cuts and tax increases (at a rate of 2:1 of cuts relative to revenue increases), he wants to falls back on the Biden negotiations which are aiming for 2 trillion in deficit reductions. Since the administration has already telegraphed that they would be willing to cut at least 2 trillion, now the GOP can demand the cuts without the tax increases. Color me shocked.

Maybe now the Prez can tell him it's a BFD.

15 BishopX  Sat, Jul 9, 2011 5:58:14pm

Has anyone heard anything about the balanced budget amendment in all of this? Is it still on the table?

16 theheat  Sat, Jul 9, 2011 5:59:48pm

re: #14 Decatur Deb

Maybe now the Prez can tell him it's a BFD.

I still heart America's blundering crazy uncle for letting that fall out of his mouth.

17 Political Atheist  Sat, Jul 9, 2011 6:04:18pm

re: #12 Charles

He should. But Obama & the DNC need to raise millions for the party and his campaign. That means big donors. That means not displeasing the very same level of wealthy donor. It's a problem endemic to our media buy driven system.

18 Political Atheist  Sat, Jul 9, 2011 6:08:07pm

re: #15 BishopX

DOA every time.

19 kirkspencer  Sat, Jul 9, 2011 6:09:34pm

re: #11 BishopX

So instead of agreeing to 4 trillion in cuts and tax increases (at a rate of 2:1 of cuts relative to revenue increases), he wants to falls back on the Biden negotiations which are aiming for 2 trillion in deficit reductions. Since the administration has already telegraphed that they would be willing to cut at least 2 trillion, now the GOP can demand the cuts without the tax increases. Color me shocked.

Except if I recall correctly even the Biden plan had tax increases.

A quiet but consistent Big Deal statement from the president has been that there will be some revenue increases; at a minimum by closing loopholes. The fact that 85% cut/15% increase is still too much increase boggles my mind.

20 Killgore Trout  Sat, Jul 9, 2011 6:12:54pm
“Despite good-faith efforts to find common ground, the White House will not pursue a bigger debt reduction agreement without tax hikes. I believe the best approach may be to focus on producing a smaller measure, based on the cuts identified in the Biden-led negotiations, that still meets our call for spending reforms and cuts greater than the amount of any debt limit increase.”


translation: Our agenda was radical and stupid. Our demands will never be met, regretfully we have decided to not destroy the economy in a childish temper tantrum.

21 The Yankee  Sat, Jul 9, 2011 6:14:03pm

There is going to be a ton of reposting of those pictures of Obama and Boehner playing golf

22 jamesfirecat  Sat, Jul 9, 2011 6:14:14pm

F*** it as long as we don't default, and abortion stays legal and funded and nothing else crazy happens, I'll be happy...

23 Lidane  Sat, Jul 9, 2011 6:14:24pm

re: #16 theheat

I still heart America's blundering crazy uncle for letting that fall out of his mouth.

And I loved how the Obama campaign didn't disavow it. They just sold T-shirts with it instead. Heh.

24 BishopX  Sat, Jul 9, 2011 6:14:28pm

re: #19 kirkspencer

Except if I recall correctly even the Biden plan had tax increases.

A quiet but consistent Big Deal statement from the president has been that there will be some revenue increases; at a minimum by closing loopholes. The fact that 85% cut/15% increase is still too much increase boggles my mind.

Do you have a source for the Biden negotiations. Nothing I've seen had any kind of breakdown.

I also predict that the club for growth is going to melt down over this. If there are increases and the economy doesn't crater as a result, many republicans will keep their seats, substantially weakening Mr. Norquists political power.

25 Fozzie Bear  Sat, Jul 9, 2011 6:15:17pm

Maybe he got the balls people have been mailing him.

26 jamesfirecat  Sat, Jul 9, 2011 6:15:34pm

re: #15 BishopX

Has anyone heard anything about the balanced budget amendment in all of this? Is it still on the table?

Not if there's a merciful and loving god....

27 Political Atheist  Sat, Jul 9, 2011 6:16:07pm

re: #19 kirkspencer

Cutting out those is a really smart way to up revenues. It simplifies the code by definition. It removes market distortions caused by the loopholes. Of course that is why they are there sometimes, a government intervention of sorts. This fiscal conservative approves.

28 Lidane  Sat, Jul 9, 2011 6:16:55pm

re: #15 BishopX

Has anyone heard anything about the balanced budget amendment in all of this? Is it still on the table?

Balanced budget amendments are a stupid idea. They don't work and just lead states to adopt all kinds of crazy budget cuts or metrics to prove they're balanced.

See: Deficit, Texas.

29 jamesfirecat  Sat, Jul 9, 2011 6:17:28pm

re: #23 Lidane

And I loved how the Obama campaign didn't disavow it. They just sold T-shirts with it instead. Heh.

FDR had the New Deal, BHO had the Big F***ing deal!

30 Political Atheist  Sat, Jul 9, 2011 6:17:48pm

re: #22 jamesfirecat

F*** it as long as we don't default, and abortion stays legal and funded and nothing else crazy happens, I'll be happy...

Okay I get that. But it really SUCKS to (necessarily for sanity's sake, not a slam on you) set the bar that low.

31 Killgore Trout  Sat, Jul 9, 2011 6:18:12pm

So far the wingnuts at hot air are just spinning in circles. I can't tell what the fuck they're talking about.

32 jamesfirecat  Sat, Jul 9, 2011 6:18:45pm

re: #30 Rightwingconspirator

Okay I get that. But it really SUCKS to (necessarily for sanity's sake, not a slam on you) set the bar that low.

Hey man if you're as liberal as I am you'll realize how much it sucks that the Overton Window has been shifted way TOO FAR to the right....

We need the Overton Window to shift even more than we need to get Obama relected....

33 PhillyPretzel  Sat, Jul 9, 2011 6:19:03pm

re: #31 Killgore Trout
That is the norm for Hot Air.//

34 BishopX  Sat, Jul 9, 2011 6:19:28pm

re: #28 Lidane

Balanced budget amendments are a stupid idea. They don't work and just lead states to adopt all kinds of crazy budget cuts or metrics to prove they're balanced.

See: Deficit, Texas.

I know, the one that the crazies have been pushing this time was horrendous. Government spending capped at 18% of GDP with super-majorities required to borrow anything. It was honestly the scariest thing about these negotiations.

35 Killgore Trout  Sat, Jul 9, 2011 6:19:33pm

For god's sake, somebody issue a talking point! I have no idea what to think

36 TedStriker  Sat, Jul 9, 2011 6:20:04pm

re: #31 Killgore Trout

So far the wingnuts at hot air are just spinning in circles. I can't tell what the fuck they're talking about.

The hamsters are spinning in their cages, but no one's home...

37 BishopX  Sat, Jul 9, 2011 6:20:04pm

re: #32 jamesfirecat

Time to donate the CPUSA...

38 Decatur Deb  Sat, Jul 9, 2011 6:20:27pm

Reuters has a banner on a strong quake w/ tsunami warning in Japan.

39 Lidane  Sat, Jul 9, 2011 6:20:32pm

re: #31 Killgore Trout

So far the wingnuts at hot air are just spinning in circles. I can't tell what the fuck they're talking about.

Does anyone ever know what the fuck they're talking about at Hot Air?

40 Killgore Trout  Sat, Jul 9, 2011 6:21:12pm

re: #33 PhillyPretzel

That is the norm for Hot Air.//

The poor idiots don't know what to think. The folks issuing marching orders on not available. They'll have to wait until Monday.

41 Slumbering Behemoth Stinks  Sat, Jul 9, 2011 6:21:31pm

re: #31 Killgore Trout

So far the wingnuts at hot air are just spinning in circles. I can't tell what the fuck they're talking about.

'sall good. They don't know what the fuck they're talking about most of the time, either.

42 bratwurst  Sat, Jul 9, 2011 6:22:12pm

re: #20 Killgore Trout

translation: Our agenda was radical and stupid. Our demands will never be met, regretfully we have decided to not destroy the economy in a childish temper tantrum.

Exactly. How anyone could have seen this going any other way is a mystery to me.

43 Political Atheist  Sat, Jul 9, 2011 6:22:28pm

re: #28 Lidane

Most of us would agree spending needs to be tied to revenue, as borrowing distorts the market and interest can be an expensive drag.

Since votes are positively connected to spending, and there is basically no positive feedback for conservative budgeting, we have a basic dysfunction. Since (or if) amendments don't work what are we going to put some sense in the system?

44 kirkspencer  Sat, Jul 9, 2011 6:22:55pm

re: #24 BishopX

Do you have a source for the Biden negotiations. Nothing I've seen had any kind of breakdown.

I also predict that the club for growth is going to melt down over this. If there are increases and the economy doesn't crater as a result, many republicans will keep their seats, substantially weakening Mr. Norquists political power.

It's all secondary stuff, nothing in specific breakdown. Example: [Link: www.realclearpolitics.com...] , where we get this fine quote:

During the Biden-led negotiations, Democrats proposed about $400 billion in additional tax revenue, including ending subsidies to oil and gas companies, an idea that has failed previously in the Senate.


and

"Revenues have never been off the table," said Sen. Jon Kyl of Arizona, the Senate's Republican participant in the Biden talks. "There are some user fees that are probably way low compared to when they were originally set."
45 Killgore Trout  Sat, Jul 9, 2011 6:23:08pm
This is all just a dog and pony show.

FloatingRock on July 9, 2011 at 9:10 PM

X10000

darwin-t on July 9, 2011 at 9:15 PM


¿Que?

46 Slumbering Behemoth Stinks  Sat, Jul 9, 2011 6:24:09pm

re: #35 Killgore Trout

For god's sake, somebody issue a talking point! I have no idea what to think

re: #40 Killgore Trout

The poor idiots don't know what to think. The folks issuing marching orders on not available. They'll have to wait until Monday.


Heh, and I was just gonna say those poor bastards are gonna have to wait til monday for Limbaugh's next show.

47 theheat  Sat, Jul 9, 2011 6:25:30pm

re: #46 Slumbering Behemoth

re: #40 Killgore Trout
Heh, and I was just gonna say those poor bastards are gonna have to wait til monday for Limbaugh's next show.

Sadly, because they totally are.

48 BongCrodny  Sat, Jul 9, 2011 6:27:52pm

re: #35 Killgore Trout

Let me try:

Boehner caved in due to propaganda and misinformation spread by the Media/Democrat Party!

49 Political Atheist  Sat, Jul 9, 2011 6:27:57pm

re: #32 jamesfirecat

Hey man if you're as liberal as I am you'll realize how much it sucks that the Overton Window has been shifted way TOO FAR to the right...

We need the Overton Window to shift even more than we need to get Obama relected...

Just looked that up. It should be called the Overton pendulum.

50 RadicalModerate  Sat, Jul 9, 2011 6:29:19pm

One question. How is allowing temporary tax cuts to expire a tax increase? They were passed with the understanding that they were short-term.
Think of it this way. As a promotion, my business has a half-off sale on an item. When that promotion ends, the item goes back to regular price. No matter how you look at it, I didn't raise the item's regular price.

51 Killgore Trout  Sat, Jul 9, 2011 6:31:52pm

re: #48 BongCrodny

Let me try:

he's a Soros plant to establish the New World Order!

52 Slumbering Behemoth Stinks  Sat, Jul 9, 2011 6:33:03pm

re: #47 theheat

Sadly, because they totally are.

With bated breath even, I'll wager.

53 Decatur Deb  Sat, Jul 9, 2011 6:54:13pm

In the "Breaking" category, from NYT via Daily Beast:

"U.S. Suspends Pakistan Military Aid

The U.S. is suspending $800 million in military aid to Pakistan after the country expelled American military trainers. The move also serves to pressure Pakistan’s army to fight militants more seriously. The suspended aid includes $300 million that would have reimbursed Pakistan for deployments along the Afghan border; the rest would have come in the form of training assistance and expensive military equipment. "When it comes to our military aid, we are not prepared to continue providing that at the pace we are providing it unless and until we see certain steps taken," Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said."

54 darthstar  Sat, Jul 9, 2011 9:44:05pm

Boehner's still a dick.

55 yoshicastmaster  Sat, Jul 9, 2011 10:01:33pm

re: #23 Lidane

What is this phrase that's on a t-shirt? I missed this news.... and google news thinks BFD is about fire departments...

56 yoshicastmaster  Sat, Jul 9, 2011 10:05:09pm

also- anyone notice ann coulter on overtime with bill maher saying we intervened in egypt?

it's worth a watch for a good laugh.

57 Robert O.  Sun, Jul 10, 2011 7:25:44am

It appears Boehner, sensing he will lose his election (get it?), has retracted already:

[Link: www.cnn.com...]

But well played, Mr. President! It is now unequivocally clear that the GOP does NOT care about the deficit (or jobs for that matter): all that it cares about are preserving tax loop holes and tax cuts for the rich. Yes - we knew this fact already, but this makes it plain clear what the GOP stands for.

58 moderatelyradicalliberal  Sun, Jul 10, 2011 10:46:55am

re: #57 Robert O.

It appears Boehner, sensing he will lose his election (get it?), has retracted already:

[Link: www.cnn.com...]

But well played, Mr. President! It is now unequivocally clear that the GOP does NOT care about the deficit (or jobs for that matter): all that it cares about are preserving tax loop holes and tax cuts for the rich. Yes - we knew this fact already, but this makes it plain clear what the GOP stands for.

This was indeed well played and I was getting nervous. Now the president gets to go to independents and say I offered and even bigger deficit reduction plan and the GOP turned it down because all they care about is protecting the rich from any kind of tax increases.

59 Bulworth  Mon, Jul 11, 2011 7:31:58am

“Despite good-faith efforts to find common ground..."

You gotta be effin kidding me.


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