Why Dems lose, Part 193

This is how Republicans use their balls-to-the-wall style to get their way:

Amazingly, Republicans are going with the bogus line that the estate tax deal represents an INCREASE, from 0 to 35%, because this year for the first time in modern history there was no estate tax.  In this scenario, lowering the tax more than it ever was in the Bush era represents a compromise.  I’m surprised they can say this one with a straight face.

And this is how Democrats let them get away with it:

But nobody’s really challenging them on it.

You have to admire the GOP. Such chutzpah. Such moxy. As crass as they are brazen.  All blame, no shame.

Meanwhile House Democrats, after making a nice show of standing up to The Man, are about to fold on the tax deal like their Senate colleagues before them.  We know this because Chris Van Hollen told us so:

“We’re not going to hold this thing up at the end of the day, but we do think that simple question should be put to test. We’re going to ask the Republicans and others, are they going to block this entire deal” over the level of taxes on estates?

What, are you getting bargaining tips from Obama?

 Yes, Chris, they will.  I think that's quite clear by now. They're not saying "we're not going to hold this thing up at the end of the day" if you we don't get our estate-tax-cut. No, they're saying, I don't care if granny's tied to the track or Timmy's in the well, we're not budging on the death tax -- .  that's what it's called, by the way.  Oh, and it's an increase, so we're being quite generous.  Take it or leave it, bitch.

The Obama tax cut:  A one-stop schtupping by Republicans, just in time for Christmas