Right on vote for higher taxes, and the (cfr/NAU Vote Oboma he will make it this happen for all americans!

Um, how about just ending the Social Security program? Keep the older people in it, but allow younger people who are just entering the workforce to opt out and handle their own retirement investments.

Taxes are already 35 or 40% of our income. It's a wonder that anyone manages to eat or have housing.

Barack Obama on 'Meet the Press'

In your opinion how well did Barack Obama do on NBC's Meet the Press with Tim Russert?

http://www.youpolls.com/details.asp?pid=941

.

this is not the time for him to be bringing up something like tac increases. I don;t like the idea of a donut hole for the middle class, what about people below that ? Tax the ultra-wealthy, Ayn Rand was wrong, the social contract says you take care of the poor, so they don't form into bolsheviks and rise up to take care of your ass. funny the last story was about Obama catching up with Clinton, I suppose CNN threw this story on next to make sure that doesn't happen.

The real interview: Decide who is wishy-washy and who doesnt provide clarity. When will CNN post such interviews to show candidates real face?

—
MR. RUSSERT: But, Senator, you said last year—earlier this year that everything should be on the table for Social Security, including looking at raising retirement age, indexing benefits, and then suddenly you said, “No, no. Those aren’t off—on the table; I’m taking them off the table.”

SEN. OBAMA: Tim, that’s not—that’s not what I said. What I said was that I will convene a meeting as president where we discuss all of the options that are available. That doesn’t mean that as president I will not have strong opinions on how we should move forward. And when you look at how we should approach Social Security, I believe that cutting retire—cutting benefits is not the right answer. I meet too many seniors all across the country who are struggling with the limited Social Security benefits that they have. That raising the retirement age is not the best option, particularly when we’ve got people who ware still in manufacturing. By the time they’re 67, their bodies, oftentimes…

MR. RUSSERT: But in May you said they would be on the table.

SEN. OBAMA: Well, when I—I am going to be listening to any ideas that are presented, but I think that the best way to approach this is to adjust the cap on the payroll tax so that people like myself are paying a little bit more and the people who are in need are protected. That is the option that I will be pushing forward. But, look, even as president I’m not going to be able to get this done by myself, and that means that I’m going to be listening to any other ideas out there. It doesn’t mean, though, that I’m not going to have a strong position on it.

MR. RUSSERT: But they would be on the table?

SEN. OBAMA: Well, I will listen to all arguments and the best options, finding out what is it going to take to close that gap. But what I’m going to continue to insist on is that the reason we need to fix it now is precisely to protect our senior citizens and maintain not only Social Security as a social insurance program, but also make sure that the benefits are sufficient so that we don’t have seniors in need.

MR. RUSSERT: When you say “raise the cap,” right now you pay payroll tax on the first $97,500. If you increase that for people to pay Social Security tax on their full income, about 10 million people, some could pay as much as $5,000 a year more. How is that going to play in November?

SEN. OBAMA: Well, it—you know, I have not specified exactly how we would structure it.

—-

Everything is wishy washy. And we got blind supporters saying they believe he can be President.

I am surprised that we got so many dumb people believing Politics of Deception. But i guess that is what America has come to

Obama,

You're an idiot just like the rest of the morons running this country. Tax what, I'm already taxed to the gill between SSI, Income, sales, property taxes, and you want to start raising taxes. The state of Indiana is already raising property taxes, now what else.

What about cutting some of the excess spending?? That's what the rest of us Americans have to do when gas is over $3 a gallon. How about getting out of Iraq which would probably save us a few billion a year which you can use to shore up SSI, and you know what, with all those reserved soldiers not working (and paying SSI) you can put them back to work. How about that!!!

Also, stop all this outsourcing to China, India, etc. no work here, no SSI collected. Simple right. So Obama, stop being an idiot and come up with logical and simple solutions to our deficit.

Yeah, its easy for Buffett and Obama to say that they should be paying more but you know what, I'm not a freaking billionaire, nor have I written a book and collecting royalties from. It's easy for them to say that they should pay more and you know what, actions speak louder than words. So guys, its put up or shut up time.

I have a six figure salary but we save like Scrooge because I definitely do not want the Feds to take care of me.

SEEMS LIKE THIS IS ALL THE DEMOCRATS KNOW. LETS RAISE TAXES!

This the best plan I have heard. I have worked all my life and Social Security has been raised several times along with the age for retirement. Finally somebody with a plan!!

GO B-A-R-A-C-K!

Yes, I see the 'middle class' liberal who admits he makes too darn much, wants to raise taxes!

"It's not sufficient for us to just finesse the issue because we're worried that, well, we might be attacked for the various options we present," he said. NO Sir, you will be attacked for 'finessing' my money from my wallet.

As far as his 'friend' Warren Buffett, I called Warren, and he said he doesn't consider Mr. Obama his friend, just someone who is seekiing the Presidency.

The cap should be much higher than $108,000. Remember we're considering combined incomes–but look at the professionals w/ combined incomes of $500,000 and more. The cap needs to be higher on individual income. Remember that the vast majority of Americans will fall way below $108,000 cap…so most Americans still will be paying the largest proportion of taxes–even though they do not represent the majority of the income.

This is a great plan. For those here crying about higher taxes, you will NOT have higher taxes (unless you're very wealthy). If you do fall in the very wealthy category, you SHOULD be paying more taxes…so cry all you want!

TO PollM, Dallas Tx :

Thank you for showing us the link to YouPolls.com. I see already it is a much more reliable indicator than this liberal leaning machine.

Derick…said: Um, how about just ending the Social Security program? Keep the older people in it, but allow younger people who are just entering the workforce to opt out and handle their own retirement investments.

Taxes are already 35 or 40% of our income. It's a wonder that anyone manages to eat or have housing.

Posted By Derrick, Hagerstown, MD : November 11, 2007 2:30 pm

Hey Derrick–where should we make the cut-off. Most of the people who have been contributing for 30 or more years are nearing retirement. Are you saying we just keep all the funds w/out any return–and keep the folks on SS now? Really–if it were that simple suretly GW would have already fixed it. I can tell you–if my investment is poo-poo'd away like I'd be pretty angry–so would millions of other American's. And what about the people who are disabled? Should we just off them? Get real! We need a realistic substitute. Hey how about this…after the Gulf War–we just channel the Billions we're spending on the Iraqi people–and spend 4-5 years pumping those same funds into the social security program–then not letting the politicians touch–at all. That might work.

Look, I'm voting for democrats for all the other reasons (I want to vote for someone who has less of a chance of destroying the middle east and killing thousands of people).

But what kind of an election strategy is this?

WHAT KIND OF A VOTER WOULD VOTE FOR SOMEONE WHO WOULD PROMISE TO INCREASE YOUR TAXES?

I mean people who make over $100,000 nowadays are barely in the middle class, especially people in Los Angeles and other metropolitan cities, how does it make sense to promise such people that you will take away even more of their hard-earned money?

Are you the one, mr. Obama, who wakes up everyday at 5:30 am to get to commute through traffic..and works from 9am till 5pm non stop just to get enough money to send your kids to school?

I hope the democrats don't get a majority in congress because that might end up being bad for the Americans in the long term.

Go Obama! Looking out for the little guy! I loved what he said about social security! Obama 08!

Maybe its time you all stopped complaining and actually thought about making a sacrifice once in a while. If you want to stay in Iraq, your going to have to give something up. God forbid we pay a few extra dollars to fix something as important as Soc Sec while 150,000+ families go without seeing their loved one for 12-15 months, not to mention those who have to deal with a family member or friend being killed. Those who moan and groan about even the talk of raising taxes should realize that you've been living in a fantasy land: War and Low Taxes Never Mix!

Absolutely ridiculous! Great idea, Barrack, let's raise the taxes of the upper class and lower class to benefit the middle class, but not tax them!

Geeez!!!

Now that I earn six figures because I busted my rear to obtain a difficult college degree in a worthwhile field, I get to pay more SS taxes. So does that mean that the gov will pay more to me in SS retirement? So how does provide a permanent fix? Is that just postponing the inevitable in that SS is badly broken and the biggest pyramid scheme legally allowed? Those who paid in first get money back, while those on the tail end see the fall of the program?

How about getting the layabouts off of Social Security (the young people who have put nothing into it, but are feeding at the trough because they abused drugs or alcohol etc, etc) and let's just allow the monies to go for people that have actually put into it ESPECIALLY the elderly and our veterans. Maybe that would be a good start.

I have no problem with this being raised at all, why should there even be a cap?

I am certainly not a Democrat or a liberal, but this never made sense to me.

What was the reasoning behind having such a small cap? My ears are open for other ideas or reasoning.

Let's discuss.

Barack, what a plan… It shows your inexperience. You better take up lessons in economics. You think that the money is falling from the sky and you want to take it away by raising taxes. I hope american people will realize how fearful it is to think about higher taxes, they do not deserve our votes.

Wow, Obama's courage here is really impressive. Obviously raising taxes at all (even if only for mostly high-income earners as proposed here) will have the righ-wing pundits labeling him a socialist and the rich suburban republicans screaming bloody murder.

But if this country actually wants to save social security, and to allow a lifestyle more meaningful than just working 45 hours a week until you die, then we need a strong leader who is willing to do more than just "say what sounds nice."

Please, democrats, DO NOT VOTE FOR CLINTON! She is just the same old story: Tons of money from big business and especially private insurance and big pharm. Obama will actually have YOUR interests in mind!

Wow, what a deceiving title to this blog article. I am really starting to get ticked off at CNN (Clinton News Network).

Obama - thats not going to solve anything - how about we stop spending money on a war which the people don't want to be in? How about we don't give a country like Pakistan 11 billion dollars, how about we don't give saudi arabia and israel a total of 45 billion to make them feel safe. Bring our troops home, and you'll save more than money….
Also, SS is a socialist program - I say no thank you. I can handle my MONEY JUST FINE - i want out - i'm 21, and i'm never going to see my hard earned money. Heres a plan for you cowards - How about we keep the older people on SS and the younger have a choice to get out while we still can. You can learn something from Ron Paul.

If Mr. Obama (and the others before him like Warren Buffet) want to pay more taxes - do it.

Put your money where you mouth is. Send a check today to Uncle Sam for however much your guilt dictates.

I watched Meet the Press today, and man, Russert took it to him.

I am willing to bet that he doesn't come out tomorrow and say that Russert was being mean to him because he is Black.

With that said, I like Obama and at this time think he is the best candidate for us. But I wasn't blown away by him.

Get real people. CNN is trying to wedge a point against Obamas rising powers in the polls.

Obama is saying those with more money should be taxed more (like himself) and i'm sure that the details has been worked out. It is only fair that you pay as you earn considering you guys voted for people that didn't help solve the Social Security in time.

A Clinton supporter is also trying to give Obama the name IOWANS have given to Clinton Wishy Washy or whatever, it won't work.

These are hard times and we have hard issues that need hard and painful solutions. He is keeping it real and Clinton has no agenda on the Social Security issue waiting to be elected first before coming up with a plan.

Who is she kidding? Definately not smart people like Obama supporters. I think its very unfair for clinton supporters to start calling obama names, but i guess they've been doing that for months from calling him naive to all that nonsense.

Get a life Clintonians, this is my country toooooooooo, I'm tired of your ignorant and divise politics with no clear goals on where we are going and how to get there than just beating on the republicans.

Clintonians will destroy this country because tell me how you hope to unite the country or work with the republicans if your goal is to TURN THE HEAT on them now, and want them to work with you in congress. YOU GUYS NEED HELP.

WE NEED ALL HANDS ON DECK, NOT A LAME-DUCK PRESIDENT when bills can't pass through congress because of your myopic view of cheerishing that the NAME CLINTON is your president.

And Clinton will never win to be POTUS. Do us a favor, sit at home and leave this election to us to solve the problems we have. Our enemies out there that hate themselves get UNITED at the thought of harming us, and what do we do? Pursue a divisive politics that won't help us to be safe.

GO HOME CLINTONIANS, i have a time machine to take you guys back to 1990's, but you will need a visa because it is in AFGHANISTAN.

Obama, row, row row your boat gently down to the white house, what do you think, what do you think, he's just suppose to stand there like an unannounced idiot. What is he suppose to say, I'm just going out,for a walk today.

Right now for me, I have the last four months or so of the year that I don't pay taxes and that's nice. But it isn't something in which I feel I'm entitled. It's just an arbitrary number. There are a lot of people much less fortunate than I and many other are that would love to have a few months and more without taxes.

The people complaining about raising the cap are the wealthy who always get the tax breaks and loopholes. they feel entitled.

By raising the cap, the less affluent aren't affected because they pay all year anyhow.

Obama '08

It doesn't matter how high the cap is, the companies and people of corporate America need to be taxed. The polarization of incomes in America is preventing a large majority of the middle class from progress due to benefits that both Democrats and Republicans support to push agenda and useless policy.

Senator Obama was specific in as much as he feels that taxes should be raised on high earners (like himself), to help protect Social Security and keep it solvent, and that there should be a "doughnut hole" that protects middle class tax payers from a tax increase. Senator Obama's plan is definitley more specific than anything Senator Clinton has offered considering that she refuses to outline any parameters or specifics for fixing Social Security. Doing away with Social Security because it's become more "problematic" as a result of Bushenomics is not an option when its promise can be fulfilled with a short term solution like Senator Obama's proposal coupled with a return to fiscal responsibilty/cutting government waste. Also, it's courageous for Senator Obama to propose a tax increase when it clearly isn't the "popular" thing to do. This is just another example of how Senator Obama is more concerned with telling we the American people what we need to hear and not what we want to hear. Taking care of our own is an American tradition, even when it means personal sacrifice. Bravo! Senator Obama.

If Obama wants to pay more tax, he's welcome to start with mine.

Interesting, I have also thought my whole working life, as a professional in the medical field, that the cap was inherently unfair. I also feel that social security income should be taxed like any other earned income and that no one should be able to opt out of taking it, if you have a large retirement and the social security puts you in a spot where this added income makes you pay all of it back and then some in tax so be it.

Social security is supposed to protect our seniors from destitution if the economy collapses and totally fails them. Our current custodians of the American dollar have allowed it to fall to half its value, while outsourcing even our food, and value adding jobs, by running up American debt to the world. The leveling of world markets with international trade has to mean that our standard falls while the third world rises from poverty until everyone lives the same. I think this means, you have a car for weekend drives, but for everyday you rely on public transportation or walking to get to work and school, you live in a smallish three bedroom house unless you have all same sex children meaning they can share, your leisure time is spent cultivating the food for your table in the summer and your clothing in the winter. Sounds like we are headed back to the 1930s, doesn't it.

While this is happening there are those who wish to remove the one social safety net that will protect them from a worthless dollar and the stolen wealth of devaluation.

I am not American. I cannot vote.

With incredulity I was attracted by this incredible self-immolation.
Is Mr Barak Hussain Obama, really so out of touch with public sentiment, and American unique ways to run the country?
I am trying to come up with whomever has ever won an election on a platform of raising taxes on income (and overtime)………….

"

Taxes are already 35 or 40% of our income. It's a wonder that anyone manages to eat or have housing."

Misinformation much? 40% tax? You have no idea how social security works, do you? Previous generations are supported by current generations of workers. If the new generation of works opt out there will be no SS for the current seniors.

What are you talking about people going hungry, he said he'd raise the cap for taxes, so that people making almost 100,000 would be taxed a little more heavily. If you make 100,000 a year and can't afford food, you need to stop buying cars every year and a half.

Way to go Obama! I've been in favor of this for years! You can't decrease benefits, for God's sake - that would hurt so many people.

What is wrong with Obama's staff, he can't go rowing to the white house unannounced to look like an idiot. His staff should have been more specific because some people don't understand quite what other people are talking about.

I think this is so funny, play the clip
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uh6J1GykqGU

aw sweet. I am 25 years old and I get the chance to pay more money into the system that I will never get a chance to get back in 40 years when I'm able to retire, unless the gov't cranks the age of retirement up even further. How about not using the force of gov't to reallocate money that I work hard for.

Only inexperienced, foolish and naive presidential candidates like Obama would tell voters that taxes will be raised. Obama should learn from Bush 41 who told voters during his election campaign that "Read my lips, no new taxes."

Americans have already been taxed to death, and an experienced and smart presidential candidate should be able to find ways to finance the social security without raising taxes.

Obama, you have just lost the support and votes from many tax paying voters.

NObama 08!

The Clinton News Network is getting to be as bad as Fox News.

Warren Buffet's OVERALL TAX RATE, which includes income tax, is lower than that of anyone else in his office.
CNN misrepresented Obama's statement. This proposed tax increase would not affect anyone earning less than $97,500, and is, of course, subject to the consent of Congress.

Would you like see to the goverernment default on paying SS benefits 10 or 20 years from now?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KHY1rtmIovk. Hillary is a Huge Flip Flopper,
Go Barack

How about, like, not spending money from Social Security? That does mean cutting some spending, but it may just work!

A second New Hampshire poll out this weekend from the Boston Globe shows Obama significantly climbing in the primary, cutting Hillary's lead by 9% this time!

Isnt this a direct, purposeful misquote?

Obama can make a good president but his mouth has already caused his the presidency.One of the most stupid/funny remark was that michel obama can take Bill clinton on a debate and she would come out as a winner "dah" its like comparing kenya and USA economically wise.LOL

Let's not fix the problem. Let's just enslave America in even more taxes. Anyone that votes for this guy is a complete and utter moron!

Raising taxes isn't a plan to save social security. So far it's been what every politician has tried to AVOID in fixing social security. Obama is intellectually lazy.

Hillary 08

Obama is open and honest about his plans. Voters should think twice about other candidates, like HRC, who are not willing to tell us where they stand. We've had enough of secretive, overly politicized administrations. We don't need another one. Obama will make the tough decisions we need to help get America back on track.

Warren Buffet has openly supported what Obama proposes, and he's right.

You know, there are are a lot of posters on these boards who — correctly — say that we need Leaders who are willing to make the tough decisions, and consider real solutions to real problems even if they aren't popular, but the moment they do, you slam them.

Social Security is one of the few government programs that actually works. It provides an easy system of forced savings for workers, asks employers to make a contribution towards their employees' future, provides a minimum level of income to people in retirement, and reduces the chances of our society having to shoulder the burden of millions of senior citizens without the wherewithal to live. And if our governement officials — Democrat AND Republican — had had the self-control to not raid the annual surplus, it would be able to sustain itself indefinitely. But unfortunately they couldn't, and we are now at a crossroads.

Social Security should be saved. It is a good program, and aside from a small but vocal group of self-serving people who take the "I got mine, let everyone else fend for themselves" approach to life, most people WANT to save social security.

Having said that, there are only 3 ways to cover the shortfall — raise the retirement age, cut retirement benefits, or lift the cap for assessing tax.

Raising the age is problematic. Yes, people are living longer and healthier lives, but a lot of jobs require physical labor, which makes raising the retirement age a hardship for many people if they can no longer do the job.

Cutting benefits is also not a good choice. Benefits are already dropping in real dollars, and for people 40 and under, it will probably only provide around 1/3 of what they will need. Cutting it further only increases the risk of millions of homeless senior citizens, which just puts a different sort of burden on our society.

That leaves raising the cap on the tax. Now I will be the first to agree that it is not an ideal solution. But there really isn't a better one.

And to those who suggest doing away with the program and letting everyone take care of themselves — wow, what a ticking timebomb that would create! Do you really think the single mom making minimum wage is really going to worry about her retirement when her kids need food and clothing? I work in the tax and finance field, and I am amazed at how many educated people making good money have absolutely no concept of how much they are going to need for retirement or what they need to do to prepare for it. Eliminating the one government program designed to help people in retirement would create a massive underclass of empoverished, homeless senior citizens. Would you do that to YOUR grandmother? I certainly won't do it to mine.

I'm curious why Obama said that "people like myself (Obama) are paying a little bit more". As a member of the legislative branch of our goverment (Senators and members of the House of Representatives) they do not pay anything into the Social Security trust fund. Not a single penny of their salary is subject to the social security tax. They have a completely separate retirement fund that is 100 percent funded by the taxpayers (that would be people like you and me) and the cost to them is nothing. How dare he use himself as an example of someone who would be willing to contribute more of his salary to Social Security because despite a six digit income, these people contribute zip. Its very easy for them to take action on raising this tax because its a tax that they don't pay so raising it doesn't affect their bottom line at all. It only affects us taxpayers but then again when did any of these elected officials really care about us (I mean really care in us, not just pander to get our vote).

To Connie from Louisville, TN -
You call this a brainless idea a plan, a solution! It's unbelievable to dream that raising taxes again on Social Security will fix anything. It is one of the most inept government programs of all time and you want to give it more money. I wish it did not exist at all and I was free to invest and manage my own hard earn money. I've done well in my life providing for my family, supporting numerous charitable causes and saving for mine and my children's future without any government help. I vote to get rid of this program, and certainly not vote for any candidate that believes the government can do a better job than we individual citizens can.

Bruce:

While it is true that our legislators do not contribute into the SS Trust Fund out of the legislator income, they DO have to contribute into it if they have other earned income, such as book royalties, speakers fees, etc. I am assuming that is what Sen. Obama was referencing.

Obama's idea of raising the amount paid in to Social Security is the right plan, especially if they raise it on the upper wage earners, who have been given ridiculous breaks by the Bush clown posse.

What Obama said was to lift the cap on lifting the cap on the amount of income that is taxed to provide monthly Social Security checks. This is different from "raising taxes."

Other presidential candidates except for Hillary, who never says anything clear and meaningful, all expressed a similar idea in a previous debate. Any honest person who recognizes that society security fund may not be there for the seniors a few decades from now would agree that there is no way to solve this problem without lifting the cap. The reason is simple: the expected longevity for our future seniors is much longer than what it was when the current cap was set. Obama is honest with the American people.

What a load of garbage. The idea that the federal government will use our tax money wisely is a crock and increasing taxes will only increase the waste. More "bridges to nowhere", more Woodstock museums, more WASTE.

And by the way, ask your friend Warren Buffet why he keeps so much of his money overseas? Could it be that he's avoiding paying those same taxes? He could care less about Social Security. Ask him to subsidize this ripoff that the federal government refuses to fix. QUIT WASTING MY MONEY!

Go Ron Paul.

Hey Obama, have you heard about the new Waffle House restaruant CNN is planning to open in D.C. They figured it would be a hit,since all politicians are wafflers anyway. Problably some of the menu entries would be like "Obama Lightweight Waffles" and "Edwards Whining Waffles" and "Hillary FlipFlop Waffles" and "Bushy Cowbow Waffles". Should be a real Hit !!

There is nothing stopping you from paying more taxes Mr. Obama. However the idea that everyone else should juts because you think you should is completely absurd. This country was founded on principle completely contrary to the idea of wealth redistribution…

There is nothing preventing people who want private retirement accounts from having them already. The purpose of Social Security is so that people who live paycheck to paycheck, and never have enough left over after paying for basic necessities will have something to live on after they retire. Cutting benefits is counterproductive because current benefits are already not enough to live on for many, many people. I get so tired of hearing people talk about mandating private accounts. If you want private accounts, have them, but don't insist that other people have them too. Many people don't have enough money or investment expertise to want to do that.

Oh yay! Obama just moved to my do not vote list right there with Hillary! Shame most of the republicans are there with em too! Maybe its time to look to a real 3rd party!

WM Indiana, if you want to look at the source of your tax problems, look at Indiana Governor Daniels. If you live in Indianapolis, go no further than the just defeated Mayor, Petereson, and the jumps in property and income taxes.

For the rest of us, it pays to note that Social Security and the retirement age of 65 came about when FDR was President in 1935 and the average life expectancy was 62. It is now close to 80.

There is no discernable reason not to raise the retirement age to 70 on a graduated basis. I'm 57 and see nothing wrong with that as well as removal of the "cap" on the taxine of wages. We could lower the rate and make it progressive as well.

Senator Obama, while I may not always agree with him, is a breath of fresh air in candor, honesty and intelligence. There are no easy answers to the tough questions we face and we'd better realize that. Integrity should mean something and with Senator Obama it does.

Down with socialism!

WM Indiana, if you want to look at the source of your tax problems, look at Indiana Governor Daniels. If you live in Indianapolis, go no further than the just defeated Mayor, Petereson, and the jumps in property and income taxes.

For the rest of us, it pays to note that Social Security and the retirement age of 65 came about when FDR was President in 1935 and the average life expectancy was 62. It is now close to 80.

There is no discernable reason not to raise the retirement age to 70 on a graduated basis. I'm 57 and see nothing wrong with that as well as removal of the "cap" on the taxine of wages. We could lower the rate and make it progressive as well.

Senator Obama, while I may not always agree with him, is a breath of fresh air in candor, honesty and intelligence. There are no easy answers to the tough questions we face and we'd better realize that. Integrity should mean something and with Senator Obama it does.

According to Bloomberg, "under the current system, only the first $97,500 of annual income is taxed. That limit is set to rise to $102,000 next year."

The point is that lifting the cap is a must. This is already done by the Republican-led White House, which is typically against tax increases. There is no other around. I am glad that Obama is honest.

I understand that it is upsetting to see less money left in our own pockt today. Please get over it.

I wonder if Obama has given much thought to what the ramifications of his increased tax would do. In an economy that is already dipping because of high oil costs, lending companies getting pinched and all the other forces on our economy, the last thing America needs is for tax to increase for the employers and employees.

That said, Obama and all his shortcomings are still much better than Hilary Clinton.

"Only inexperienced, foolish and naive presidential candidates like Obama would tell voters that taxes will be raised. Obama should learn from Bush 41 who told voters during his election campaign that "Read my lips, no new taxes."
– —
For the historically challenged, Bush 41 said "Read my lips, no new taxes" and as everyone knew at the time, he LIED and so was voted out of office.

Bush supporters can dream all they want, but someone has to pay for the wild spending of "conservatives" Bush, Bush, and Reagan who created nearly all of our 20 highest DEFICITS ever.

"Only inexperienced, foolish and naive" Bush supporters think we don't have to pay Bush's bills.

The $3 trillion dollars added to our national debt by Bush is the equivalent of TEN THOUSAND DOLLARS FOR EVERY MAN, WOMAN, AND CHILD IN AMERICA. How can you 24%ers claim any MORALITY at all and want to push that debt and the related INTEREST onto the next generation?

I am a little peeved with CNN. It appears that they are being very selective about what they post HERE, as well as what they report on TV. Last night and all-day yesterday in Des Moines, Iowa, there was a HUGE democratic dinner and event (the J-J Dinner). Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (sp?) was even the emcee with all the "major" democratic presidential candidates speaking! I am now beginning to think that they are not reporting on the event for the huge support that was evident for Obama at the event (He had more than 10 sections FULL of TRUE Iowa supporters that literally boomed with support and cheers for him within the Vets Auditorium/Dwarfing all of the other candidates horribly–the nearest competitor was Clinton who had 6 sections mainly full, with one other section completely full…and this is with it being KNOWN that Clinton's campaign BUSSED IN SUPPORTERS FROM OTHER STATES just to make it appear that she had more support in the state!) Yet I have watched this channel much of the day and there is not but one mention of the event yesterday for either the HNN headline news, or of CNN. Why is this huge event not being posted?

I may be wrong but it appears that the powers that be of CNN do not want to report of Obama's success and support because they do not like Obama. On this page with the story that I am responding to, there is a google ad available against Obama (talking about exposing the "real Obama") with no other ad against any OTHER candidate, as well as this article being titled "Obama: I deserve a tax increase". When you read the article, it has NOTHING to do with Obama being cocky and saying that he will raise taxes for his benefit, but it says that people, like himself, who earn more than $100,000 a year can afford to have their income cap raised to have more income taxed per year. Yet the title makes it sound like something lascivious.

I will give your site credit for saying that there is a Poll showing that Clinton's lead over Obama is shrinking, yet I think it should be posted somewhere that polls are National checkpoints where the candidates are only focusing on the four primary states. Thus, it would make more sense to show, also, where people in those 4 focused-on states are leaning.

I wish someone would explain why that HUGE DEMOCRATIC EVENT of the J.J. Dinner in Des Moines, Iowa is not being covered or even discussed briefly. I recognize that it is Veteran's Day and much focus needs to go to THAT topic but if we can hear repeatedly about Old Bush jumping out of a plane today with a guy accidentally backing himself through a wall and out of a parking garage space (over and over and over again), it would seem that you could ALSO cover something huge that really DOES affect our country.

Thank you.

Someone commented about taxing Social Security Benefits. I am a bookkeeper, and deal with payroll all the time. The amount of money you receive in benefits from Social Security depends on how much you paid into the system, which depends on how much you have earned. The money you paid into the system has already been taxed. It is a tax on your earned gross income on which you have already paid income tax. If your Social Security benefits are taxed, it is double taxation, because you have already paid income tax on the money that generated your benefit amount. I think taxing Social Security benefits is wrong.

To Karen from NY:

Please stop calling yourself an idiot. Rowing his boat means taking his campaign to winning the White House. The boat is symbolic of his agenda for the American people and everyone supporting him to be POTUS.

Karen one more thing, why are Clintons supporters picketing? Hillary supporters were actually picketing the Obama headquarters in NH where Deval Patrick and the Obama supporters he brought with him came to help canvess. The Hillary supporters set up big signs right across the road and were picketing and chanting.

CNN please you must report this and put it on the blog, this is getting shameful of Clintonians.

The democrats never met a tax they did not like! Have you heard of the trickle down affect, sorry we all pay in the end, rich and middle income. wake up!

Has Obama never heard of Walter Mondale? He said he was going to raise taxes and carried only his home state of Minnesota in the election. Sometimes people don't want to hear the truth. If Obama had any chance, I think he just killed it.

Thanks to san fran for printing part of the interview. What an eye opener when it comes to talking pots and kettles.

Hey Obama, you go ahead and pay more taxes. The rest of us should force the government to adopt the Fair Tax. Let's take the power away from the Federal Govt. and give it back to the people I say. The Fair Tax would go along way towards doing that.

WELL OBAMA WILL GET HIGHER TAXES. LETS SEE, CONGRESS WANTS TO RAISE TAX MONEY ON TOBACCO. OBAMA SMOKES, GUESS HE GETS HIS WISH AFTER ALL. LOL

How could anyone vote for this idiot, First off he doesnt pay social security tax, so I resent him comparing himself to me, fact of the matter is, he probably doesnt pay near the taxes i do, and Ill bet his gross wage is considerably more than mine. Second, Social Security does not need help, its a pay as you go system, has been from the time it was originated, there currently is a large reserve which is expected to be depleted by around 2040 (The Baby Boomers) after that they anticipate still being able to pay at least 75% of benefits. If your planning on social security to take care of you in your golden years, your kinda screwed anyway. Why dont we ALL just start voting, EVERYONE, thats the best chance we have of getting fair representation, if the tax dollars we already pay were spent in a reasonable matter we would live in a much better place.

Yikes! Imagine what this means to the self employed!? 12.8% tax increase on everything over 100k. Great.. hit the people who work the hardest and who create jobs. Stupid, just stupid.

The problems with social security will never change as long as the politicans continue stwealing the money for their favorite projects that keep geting them reelected. It is now and always has been comsidered a slush fund. Invest the money and let it grow, they are collecting more than they are paying out. Stop them now!!

THIS IS GREAT!!! CAN YOU SAY FAIR TAX?

Bush has run up the biggest deficit this
country has ever experienced it's going
to be up to the Democrats to remedy this.
Time for those with the yachts and boat
condos to pay a fair income tax with out
B.S.
I guess you think the Social Security
needs of 40 million old are gonna go away.
Plus Medicaid is a disaster dying is easier (when struck with a long term
medical issue) than applying and getting Medicaid.
Go Democrats and lets get a balanced budget as we had a surplus with Bill
Clinton it will happen again.
So don't be afraid of what GWB has done
to the value of the dollars effectively
about 64 cents now.
The Democrats will be the cure all.
Republicans will be getting a dirty campaign to scare the working class
with out admitting their own failures
which has given us the biggest deficit
and more "government" that ever.

Obama Waffles. Sounds Good. Queen Hillary would like them.

Please, please let me out of this ponzi scheme of social security. Otherwise, change the system and let the money _I_ save now be the money I have when I retire. I do not expect and cannot expect the future generation to take care of my retirement. These entitlement programs are creating a nation of children.

Feel free to make a voluntary contibution then! There's nothing preventing you from paying more. How about mandatory reductions in the size of the federal government and mandatory improvements in its efficiency, kind of like the ones the government likes to inflict on private businesses.

Obama is such a horrible candidate. You want to sink more money into the sink hole known as social security? Our candidates should figure out ways to get out of that rotten system, not bolster it. Whenever I think Obama might be the best of a bad bunch of dems, he goes and says another stupid thing.

Why does this country always want to penalize people who work hard to make more money? This country does nothing to encourage people who work, but they have all of these programs that enable people to not work. Whatever happen to the work ethic that says if you don't work you don't eat? There are grown men and women all across this country who get a doctor who says they are disable and they get a Social Security check for the rest of their lives. Obama, you lack the wisdom this country needs to be healthy again.

Write a check, write a check! If you feel that you aren't paying enough taxes write a check to the gov't. Criminy, these politicians that complain about the gov't. not having enough money and wailing about how guilty they feel for paying in so little…. Yeah, right! Once, just once, I wish one of these tough "journalist" would ask them to explain why they are cashing their checks from the US Gov't. and/or why they aren't voluntarily sending a sizable check to the IRS every payday.

So the wat I see this is why if I make 25,000 a year and am taxed on it to go to the SS fund someone that makes 250,000 is only taxed on the first 97,000.
Why is this right????
Why shouldn't EVERY single $ be taxed the same whether you make 10$ or 1,000,000$?
just give me 1 valid reason!!!

A flat tax rate is the only fair tax rate for EVERYONE.

If people are no taxed, where is the money going to come from to pay for their services, because big business won't want to foot the bill?

A second New Hampshire poll out this weekend from the Boston Globe shows Obama significantly climbing in the primary, cutting Hillary's lead by 9% this time!

Posted By Daniel, NY : November 11, 2007 4:10 pm

Well, based on your link, the lead by Hillary over Obama should be 14 pts (35% vs 21%), not 9 pts as you said. This Boston Globe shows Hillary widens her lead of the Marist poll by 2 additonal pts.

http://www.unh.edu/survey-center/news/pdf/bg_2007-nov11.pdf

Yeah private accounts tied to the stock market are a reall great idea! Oh, how much did the market lose last week? Well, glad I've got a few years to go for retirement, if I was retiring tomorrow I might be upset at the loss of so much money in my account.

SEEMS LIKE THIS IS ALL THE DEMOCRATS KNOW. LETS RAISE TAXES!

Posted By SOUR CREAM, LA. : November 11, 2007 2:45 pm
Well, it seems to me that Republicans believe they can spend money that the government does not have and leave the bill for future generations to pay. So I guess it's all in how you see things. (Or don't see things, as the case may be.)

To Derrick, Hagerstown, MD,

Bleeding off new members of the workforce would mean death to the Social Security system period. Your version of this utopia where you can easily manage your own retirement plan is non-existant. The workforce today is facing less and less support from their corporations where retirement comes in. Most pensions are being pilfered or the first thing a company kills off when they face bankrupcy or buyout. The worker is getting lost in the business world where CEOs and Wall Street investors are given golden parachutes and recovering losses through the government. But the everyday worker is left to suffer on their own.

The Social Security program was designed to support the everyday worker when it comes to retirement. If we dilute it with other Wall Street investor programs we will only see more investor designed pilfering of the system instead of stronger savings.

The one thing I would propose is that we change the amount of money we tax for Social Security. Lets change it from taxing the first $97,500 of your wages to taxing everyone's wages over the "poverty level" with no cap. The threshold should be on the lower wages. Another thought, why not only tax a person's wages if they have earned more than the poverty level in one year.

Giving rich people a break seems like a lame way to go. They are making the most out of our economic system and should be paying more into it as they make the most out of it.

Telling it like I see it,
Wynter

Taxes should not be raised to "fix" social security. The government looting the Social Security Trust Fund to pay the national debt interest payments should be stopped immediately. If you stop using the money that is ALREADY there to make payments on the the staggering interest on the debt we owe social security will remain solvent. Someone needs to ask Obama his opinion on that issue. I don't think any rational American would not mind paying a little more to help their fellow man–but when the government squanders the extra money they do give we all have a problem with that.

One last thing. When the polls suggested that Hillary Clinton had an enormous lead on Barack Obama, according to his supporters the polls had to be wrong. I find it amazing that these same supporters who post here often are now quoting polls showing the narrowing gap between the two candidates. Talk about hypocrisy.

HILLARY 2008

Obama idea is the most feasible.
I saw the meet the press. Of all
option to keep it solvent probably
increasing it for the well off is
probrobly the best way tokeep it solvent. Reasonable. So much hype over nothing,

Hillary is a Huge Flip Flopper,
Go Barack

Posted By Jim,boston,ma : November 11, 2007 4:08 pm

Well Jim, sorry to tell you that your Hussein Obama is a master of flip-flopping. Here are some EXAMPLES OF OBAMA'S FLIP-FLOPPINGS:

1) Why has he sometimes said his first name is Arabic, and other times Swahili? Why did he make up names in his first book, as the introduction acknowledges? Why did he say two years ago that he would "absolutely" serve out his Senate term, which ends in 2011, and that the idea of him running for president this cycle was "silly" and hype "that's been a little overblown"?

2) Dodd Says Obama Flip-Flopped on Social Security. Senator Barack Obama's characterized the highly successful Social Security program as being in "crisis," just nine days after he said the opposite stating that "Social Security is not in crisis."

3) Obama flip-flopped on his “one America” position—in his “one America” speech. He said that while Illinoisans don’t expect the government to solve their problems, Illinoisans are going to kick and scream until the government solves their problems.

4) Obama flip-flopped on Alito ("A filibuster would be a waste" then "OK, I'll support a filibuster as a symbolic gesture") and he flip-flopped on lobbying reform.

5) In one debate at Dartmouth College, in Hanover, New Hampshire, with Tim Russert serving as Moderator, Obama just flip-flopped and stated to Tim Russert that he would "do everthing necessary" to stop Iran from becoming a Nuclear Power. If Senator Obama vacillates on his postion when Tim Russert poses a question to him, what would Obama do or say in tense discussions with World Leaders. I reiterate that Obama lacks Leadership.

6) Obama flip-flopped on the Iraq war.
Obama was an opponent of the Iraq War from its inception, when he was an Illinois state senator. But later he also said the U.S. now had an obligation to see the war through. "I don’t think any of us should be rooting for failure in Iraq at this point," he said. "This is no longer George Bush’s war. This is our war." . Obama said he would support sending more troops to Iraq if it would hasten the end of the war. An immediate withdrawal, he said, would create "an extraordinary hotbed of terrorist activity" and be "a slap in the face" to the troops fighting there. However, in January, Obama proposed legislation that would have started pulling out troops in May 2007 with a goal of having all combat troops out by March 31, 2008.

FAIR TAX BABY ALL DA WAY!!!!!

Anyone who votes is Obama is like mudering our country. What's left of it after Bush. He can't run this country! God I have been a democrat all my life but if I had to choose between Obama and a Republican. I'd go republican. I'd even vote for Giuliani before Obama. We need a change but Obama isn't the change. Clinton 08

no fair tax, no vote.. hit em were it hurts!!

The reason Mr. Buffett pays less in Social Security taxes is because he makes his income on investments and not payroll income. If the earnings cap is raised on Social Security it will only affect wage earners making just over 97K per year. This will cause and even greater tax increase on the middle class than is already in place and have no effect at all on Mr. Buffett. This will be a huge tax increase for middle class families in blue states. That Obama doesn’t get this is truly amazing.

Of course! Why not raise taxes? It is, after all the only thing the Dems know how to do.

This election is well planned on issues. NOw that they campaigned for Hillary just to get slammed by Obama last election debate, they are out to get him on a very sensitive issue…We know social security is a sensitive issue and what Obama has layed out is exactly what clintons plan is. Now people have been worked up on this.
I think this is clear how the media can manipulate voters and I am glad I am not one of them……..

I had my doubts about Obama, but now I think anyone who's got the GUTS to suggest the obvious solution to the Social Security mess, is a helluva lot gutsier than any of the other candidates on either side of the aisle. Unless of course, you think having every nickel in the stock market is a dandy idea and the tooth fairy is the one who left that quarter under your pillow.

i absolutely agree! Every person who thinks they should give more to taxes should send money to the government!
But i just dont see them doing it……….( just dont take any deductions)

All I can say is that we always hear these same people saying they should pay more taxes, well I say that sounds great! Let Obama and all the rest of them pay all the taxes they want, and let those of us who see our money stolen from us evry month to pay for people who didnt plan for their retirement, pay nothing more. if they want to pay more money, I say great let them and leave the rest of us alone! I am sick of of my hard earned money supporting leeches on society… and before anyone makes the comment, I wish all of the money I pay in taxes went to the military. So don't ask me "what about Iraq?"

Nationwide elections last week showed that tax increases were not popular at all. They were voted down in numbers. Barak might have cooked his own goose with comments like this! Vote for big government Democrats with one hand and get your wallet out with the other!!

How about using the taxes the way they were intended in the first place rather than as your private piggy bank. If the funds were isolated and saved until needed, like it was intended, there would be plenty in the account. Baring that, end the program and allow me to use MY MONEY how I decide.

The more and more I hear about this guy the more I dont like him. Social security is a joke. Just end it we will all do alot beter without it.

Barack,
If you really want to pay more in taxes, nobody is stopping you from voluntarily contributing more of your money to the government.

In the meantime, stop trying to screw over the rest of us middle class "rich people" who are working hard to get by as it is.

Sen. Obama is a liar. He doesn't pay Social Security Taxes nor do any of the Congressmen.

I agree, Barack Obama deserves a tax increase.

In fact, Congress and the President all deserve tax increases for amount of government pork that is passed each year.

Don't increase our taxes until you clean up your own houses.

Well, there goes my support for Obama. I was already groaning about the healthcare plan, but this killed the deal. I'm a twenty-three year old and I don't want to spend even more than the 6.5% of my income that is already coming out of my paycheck to pay for a program I will never see myself. Social security should never have become a middle class entitlement - taking care of poor elderly is one thing, but taking care of the average white collar worker with a 401k and annuities is another.

How about this - we keep 6.5% of our income and bear full responsibility to take care of our parents when they get old? We owe it to them, and it works fine in other countries.

Social Security is going to truly become a generation war within the next twenty years, and I'm sad to see a promising politician like Obama making bad ideas even worse than they already were. Raising taxes is the absolute worse solution to solving this problem.

I'm beginning to think that Ron Paul is the only politician making any sense after all.

I am not a big fan of tax increase in any form, but you know what, Mr. Obama, I will make you a deal. Raise the cap on SSI tax but eliminate the phase outs for deductions like student loan interest (phased out after about 40k) and mortage interest and do something about the AMT. Handle those things and, be my guest to increase the cap on SS tax. Seems like a fair solution, but nothing in taxes or government is usually fair (or rationale).

No more Bushes, No more Clintons

28 years of dividing us is long enough

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SN5dqJHEnyE
.

Wynter,

Always adding your nonsense to the discussion

Sure raise HIS taxes.
Cut the WELFARE program and make these people start living together and supportuing their own off spring instead of the "Master" supporting them.

BY ALL MEANS SEND THE US TREASURY A CHECK, don't let us stop you. If you feel you are undertaxed due to what ever reason, send a check, but let the rest of us decide how to spend our hard earned money. This goes for Bill Gates, Warren Buffett, stingy Sting and the rest of the super rich who want us to pay more while they don't.

Hey, morons….

Even when you middle classers who have provided for yourselves (so you don't live in abject poverty), do retire - you'll find out 85% of your social security will be TAXED if you receive a total of $33K in income - including the SS payments.

Who are these people? They are effectively saying that we should pay for the mistakes of the past generation. Typical Democratic attitude. "We can take care of you better than you can take care of yourselves". Socialism at its finest.

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Senator Obama's appearance on Meet The Press today should let those visionary Democrats that feel so much hope in his campaign see the man behind the curtain. His record in the Senate mirrored that of the party front-runner that he is beginning to challenge. When pushed, I didn't see enough policy difference to change my view that Senator Clinton's experience and history is the best choice to lead the country out of the real challendges we face. Russert did not even "press" him in regards to his missing the vote on the Iran Resolution. Him not being at the table to vote for the Iraq Resolution and missing the vote on Iran have the hint of playing it safe. The same negative the he is now accusing Clinton of being.

All you people out there who think raising taxes is the right thing to are incredibly stupid. Taxes are going to destroy this country. Cut about 1 million programs before you ever think about raising taxes. Get rid of SS before you think about raising taxes. Social Security was never meant to be a retirement program or if you raise taxes a new form of welfare. If Warren Buffet wants to pay more in taxes let him do it voluntarily.

A Flat Tax Rate is the common sense thing to do. But then we are talking about common sense here!

Please don't complain about things if you don't understand them.

Social security is a program in which retired workers are paid for by current workers. In order for retirees to maintain benefits, workers must continue to pay Social Security taxes. The problem is that the baby boomers are getting ready to retire, so the number of retired Americans will rapidly increase without enough workers to pay for it.

Currently, people making over $97,500 are paying the same in Social Security taxes as people making $97,500. This means that the percent wealthier Americans are paying is lower than that of poorer Americans, which is completely unfair. Obama is proposing raising that $97,500 cap so that wealthier Americans pay a higher share. He does, however, realize that people making only slightly over $97,500 would be hurt by a raise in taxes, so he has the "doughnut hole" which would keep people's Social Security tax the same if they are making only a little over $97,500 per year. Your taxes will only go up if you are making above $200,000 or so, and I seriously doubt you are financially unable to afford a tax increase when you make that much money.

Patriotism isn't about blindly supporting a war. It is about being willing to make sacrifices for the good of the country. Social Security is a good program which keeps senior citizens financially afloat. No one asked how we would pay for the Iraq War, and it isn't even doing any apparent good for America. We can make small sacrifices to keep a good program like Social Security.

"…Obama also invoked his friend, billionaire Warren Buffett, who Obama said has expressed concern that he is paying less in Social Security taxes than anyone else in his office.

OK - Both you and Warren Buffet should put your money where your mouth is. Nobody is stopping either one of you from voluntarily giving more of your money to the government. There's even a special IRS form for gifiting money to the government. So , before you two blowhards decide we're paying too little in taxes - prove it by doubling what you paid in taxes (income and social security) for the past five years and I'll beleive what you say and I'll match it. Otherwise - try cutting fiscal spending and pork barrel projects before you reach into my pockets.

Obama, row, row row your boat gently down to the white house, what do you think, what do you think, he's just suppose to stand there like an unannounced idiot. What is he suppose to say, I'm just going out,for a walk today.

Posted By Karen,ny : November 11, 2007 3:39 pm

looooool that ws funny!!

Agree to close it out..I am 70 years old, still working and only get $198.00 per month…I would get more if they did not take out Medicare..I paid into the program since I was 16. We are over taxed now..

The most frightening phrase ion the English language is "I am from the Government and I am here to help."

Ronald Wilson Reagan

The federal government has never run anything well and Dims want to hand them more money and control of our health care system. If they need more money they should spend less of what we give them on their pork barrel projects.

Robin Hood economics always fail. I actually read one guy's post who said if you are rich you should be taxed more. Thats a great idea my man let's take money from people who have intelligently maneuvered their way to financial freedom so we can prop up the irresponsible all being watched over by one of the most inept organizations in the history of man, the United States Federal Goverment. If you believe in that philosophy I would tell you to move to the USSR but it collapsed from the same stupidity Dims push daily.

Make your own way, be your own man, that is the American way, quit looking for someone to take care of you.

How about stopping the Iraq War, t