Hatch and Obama trade barbs over taxing middle class
President decries 'hostage' tactic; Utah senator lambasts him
President Barack Obama greets the crowd after speaking at The Rodon Group manufacturing facility, Friday, Nov. 30, 2012, in Hatfield, Pa. Obama spoke at the toy company about how middle class Americans would see their taxes go up if Congress fails to act to extend the middle class tax cuts. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
Matt Slocum, AP
WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama says it's unacceptable for some congressional Republicans to "hold middle-class tax cuts hostage" because they don't want tax rates to rise on the wealthy.
In his weekly radio and Internet address Saturday, Obama says the average middle-class family of four could pay $2,200 more in taxes next year after the fiscal cliff. He says Republicans could give families "a sense of security going into the New Year" by extending tax cuts for the middle class.
In the Republican address, Utah Sen. Orrin Hatch accuses Obama of a "classic bait-and-switch on the American people" amounting to a tax increase twice the size of what he campaigned on.
Hatch says Democrats are pushing what he calls a disastrous strategy.
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There was never any trading of barbs. These were prerecorded messages. Don't overstate the significance of these messages which are delivered Saturday morning and watched by a grand total of about eight people.
The rich are the backbone of our economy.
Middle class won't have to worry about tax cuts when they're laid off, and the rich will pay even more to cover the loss revenue. Smart thinking Barry. This may cure illegal
It's BO who is holding middle class tax cuts hostage. Repubs have indicated a willingness to put revenue increases ont he table; they have shown a willingness to compromise. But BO is still in campaign mode, never changed since 2007, and still More..