CNN

Tax the people with income over $250K and make up the shortfall by canceling pork barrel spending in defense.

That way President Obama can keep his campaign promise and republican districts can find out about the recession after their pork is cut.

Cutting the F22 was a start and Star Wars and other dubious programs should follow, then we'll hear the screams from Southern Republican Senators!

The republicans have made it into an art form the way they shifted dollars from Democratic States to conservative Republican States well, it's time to shift it back or eliminate some of these wasteful programs.

Obama will tell you he won't raise your taxes so he can occupy the White House for 8 years. After his re-election, watch him raise taxes because he won't care – I wouldn't trust someone who has such a big ego as he does.

I don't have children. Nor do I plan to. Why should my tax dollars go to fund public schools? You mommies and daddies are a bunch of lazy freeloaders looking for a handout. You've been brainwashed by the teachers' unions. If you can't afford private schools, too bad. Have a nice day!

Say what you want about President Clinton, but he was a fiscal conservative able to accomplish his agenda and turn a surplus. Obama is a rank amateur who is bankrupting our country.

I'd STILL stand in line 4 hours to reelect Obama any day compared to what the GOP is NOT offering.

Obama has already made the mistake about his tax pledge. It is just a matter of time until his party is weakened in Congress because of it. It is also only a matter of time until his own re-election becomes a hard sell because he will have to break this promise.

Obama cant get healthcare, and no tax increase on the middle class. He will either fail at health care, because of his promise, or break his promise.

Either way, he will be hard to re-elect.

Obama is foolish to think that we would forget he said he wouldn’t raise taxes. He needs to feel the heat that rest of us feels every month when we struggle to pay our bills. I cut my spending to be in line with my income. I work very hard for my money, as do most Americans. We are all under pressure to keep ourselves afloat. I don't want to pay more taxes for programs that didn't help me. I have moved from the working class to the working poor. Obama has NOT DONE ONE thing for my family or me since he took office.

I doubt that taxes on the middle class will be raised, but if they are, then it's political suicide for the Democrats. It doesn't matter if the country needs it, it doesn't matter if it's necessary. It will kill Obama's second term and it will kill the Democrats' supermajority in Congress.

I am not making a statement about the validity of a tax hike on the middle class. I'm saying that a tax hike on the middle class will end the Obama administration.

VIVA LA Comunsim ! OBama will destroy America.Firtst how i know my friends they use it beg to came in United States pay big money for visa now.everybody is running....America si still Bless by God because has Good people still.But this guy he love to destroy america .His apology are every where how sorry he feel for what Bush did Saving the country like Iraq.But he din't apologieze when he make a white police officer Stupid...Update.Chavez close 34 radio Stations in Venezuela .Obama may close same too he became to unpopular so far,He like to be the Mesiah................

Obama lies !!!! He will take from hard working people by raising TAXES, and give to the lazy people , and the illegals here in the U.S. so I think I will quite work, and have he take care of me !!! It proves he is a MARXIST !!!!!

I don't trust his big mouth anymore!

Government's (bi-partisan) track record with programs they manage:

Medicare: broke and mis-managed
Medicade: broke and mis-managed
Social Security: broke and mismanaged
VA Hospitals: broke, mis-managed and a nightmare
US Postal service: losing millions daily

What makes any of you believe that they can manage healthcare in this country? Please give me 1 fact, 1 thing government has ever interveined with that has worked. Just one...

It took the federal government 5 days to get water to the superdome after Katrina. 5 days. Its not a Bush thing, its not an Obama thing, its not a Republican thing, its not a Democrat thing.

If you think your experiences with private insurance companies have been bad, you havent seen anything yet. Just wait...you've been warned.

The GOP is wishful thinking......

I think Obama could make huge cost cuts in defense spending on procurement

As a Democrat, I don't think the passage is a plot, just a theory.
I think the President will do what he can to protect the incomes of middle class Americans.

Allen – incredible that you think the middle class has been shafted and that the weathy don't pay their share of taxes and benefitted from huge tax cuts. So what part of 35% marginal tax for the wealthy with deductions trimmed to nothing do you feel is not a "fair" share. Are you paying 35% marginal tax with your exemptions phased out? If not, then you are the one not paying your fair share.

What were Obama's campaign promises....just curious..anyone?

Tax and spend...nothing new here.

More spin by the media.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY PRESIDENT OBAMA.

To all you republicans out there so supportive of Bush: He doubled the national debt under his watch. Since you were so supportive of him in his eight year struggle to bankrupt the country, you no doubt will gladly help pay that portion of the debt down right?

This country is in deep trouble; from our education system to our political system. We are screwed. Bush screwed us, Obama is screwing us, the republicans and the democrats continue to screw us. Now we have to pay for their stupidity, their arrogance, their negligence, and their cowardice.

All you people want to do is act like everything is honkey dorey and go back to your stupid TVs and rot your brains some more. Fine. Don't complain when it all falls apart.

Another thing, we have to raise taxes to just keep up with the $300 billion a year and rising interest on debt bill. How's that for wasted money?

Unfortunately, Obama could sacrifice his daughters on an alter and 90% of his followers would still vote for him.

This tax thing is just the latest in a whole string of lies and it hasn't changed many minds.

I see him getting reelected.

Some facts for you consider before you use those tired blanket statements.

80 % of the country's wealth comes from SMALL business,

The so-called rich number 1.4 million out of approx 400 million citizens,

Those same 1.4 million citizens pay over half of all of our taxes.

If you took EVERY dime that the rich make , you wouldn't come close to having enough to pay for what this administration has ALREADY done.
And now a question for you ...... Please define for me a Tax cut for the rich, I have yet to be able to find one of those on the books anywhere.

the middle class...what is left of us get stuck paying the bulk of taxes..it will never change...get used to it...remember the politicians got us into this mess...there are no promises that follow through in govt

"...And that means lowering the volume on the talk of no new taxes."

No it most emphatically does not! It means raising the volume on no new "services" like health care! It means raising the volume on efforts to cut back on existing government "services!"

The Federal government is a bloated, obese, monster that needs to be put on a starvation diet, at least until the national debt is paid off–and then kept on a healthy diet to keep it from growing again to outrageous proportions.

"...And that means lowering the volume on the talk of no new taxes."

No it most emphatically does not! It means raising the volume on no new "services" like health care! It means raising the volume on efforts to cut back on existing government "services!"

The Federal government is a bloated, obese, monster that needs to be put on a starvation diet, at least until the national debt is paid off–and then kept on a healthy diet to keep it from outrageously again.

My dear President:

I am sure that you are true to your promise, that no taxes on middle class.

We read Obama's lips and that is why he was elected. But I really do hope that Obama raises taxes on those making between $50,000 and $250,000. It is needed to pay for all the stimulus and health care/insurance reform. Covering 50 million people for free will cost taxpayers alot of money. Even if Obama confiscates every penny of Bill Gates' and Warren Buffet's wealth he will be way short. Only by raising taxes now can he avoid dumping the entire cost on our children.

If President Obama raises taxes, it will bite him in the butt come next election. His campaign was based on not raising taxes on the "middle class".

There is simply no way he can raise taxes and survive politically. I hope he knew that before making the campaign promises.

What is Middle Class? Its been replaced with the Middle Class Millionaires receiving bonuses by kicking out the Middle Class jobs!!!!!
Middle Class Millionaires watch out because your jobs will soon be replaced with foreingn workers too!!!!!!!!!!!!

Taxes are going to be raised on everyone. It is as inevitable as the sun rising and setting. We simply cannot afford not to. How do you think we are going to pay down $11 trillion in debt? How are we going to fund government or even the military? Baby boomers retiring and soaring costs of health care and a social security trust fund expected to go in the red now in 2013. Not possible to keep this up without tax increases and spending cuts. Wake up people. We are in dire straights.

Just soaking the rich won't do it people. I don't want higher taxes either and I want fiscal responsibility. But I refuse to allow future generations of Americans to be sold into debt bondage because we are whiners and don't want to pay our share. Time for real sacrifice and we should demand the same of our political leaders.

Try to understand that while the president is trying to fulfill his promises to the people, there are other anti-progessive individuals, namely his opponents, who are standing in his way with all kind of plots and tactics, throwing critics and bad spells against him to make him fail in his bid to bring change to enhance life quality. When he comes to these evil obstacles, in his detemination to attain his goal, he has to deviate his course of action and engage different routes and strategies. And uppon doing so, his opponents seize the opportunity to say that he fails and brag that they make him change strategies. And if he comes to not attain his goal, they laugh, and dance. and chant, and party. That's why we, the people, need to remaim loyal and solidary to the president and trust his diplomacy, because he is fighting against a bunch of wicked, evil, sly, and corrupted individuals in order to bring us reliefs. Remain firm, smart, and alerted.

Let's stop kidding ourselves people, if these big businesses paid their fair share of taxes we wouldn't have this deficit problem. Case in point, Exxon Mobile made a 2 billion dollar profit and paid taxes of 14 million. Do the math, does that calculate out to 25 to 35%. If they had paid their proper share of taxes, they should have paid 500 Million on a 25% and $700 million on a 35% tax rate.

The lower income (poor people) are the culprits of this economy?!!???
Get with it you Middle Class Millionares because the Middle Class have more critical thinking skills!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Middle Class America is being sent out to India, China, and Western europe!!!!! Watch out Middle Classe Millionares because the foreign workers will take your jobs too!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

WHY IN THE WORLD would you raise taxes on the electorate that voted for YOU? It's a very simple plan Dimrats, try to follow along. Since you have a blank check and a rubber stamp congress you merely ramrod all those FEEL GOOD, and financially destructive SOCIAL EXPERIMENTS thru. YOU get the all the credit as the MOST LOVED and GENEROUS Presidents who ever lived while you stick the bill to the generations not even born yet.

Jimmy Carter's gettin his bags ready, gonna be time to move out of the cellar. Come 2013, Obama will take over the title of Worst President Ever.

[...] (click here for the real story) [...]

You know what.. in the end.. if the economy is back up to speed, and we're not wasting as much money "trying to bring democracy" to people who don't want it.. I would have no problem paying more taxes if it went towards reducing our national debt.

Everyone always thinks of themselves... but we don't live in the United States of Me.

"READ MY LIPS....NO MORE TAX's'"....Sound familiar...The exact words from that weasel BUSH-1....

They will say anything and tell any lie to get elected.

Lets see if CNN will post this???

While Geithner and Summers started this fire themselves, some in the news media are at fault as well for how they tried to twist this story as if he changed his mind (which he did not). This is just an example of how a news story that can be pushed to mean something that in the end could turn out not to be true. There are plenty of tax loopholes that have been skewed towards the wealthy that can be closed, so its not as if we have ran out of ways to raise revenue. As for health care, it's not only gonna depend on the President, Congress, and us the citizens watching, it's also gonna depend on how the pundits and reporters in the media influence this debate. One example that the media has had influence with: the lead up to the war in Iraq.

the serial-liar in chief will blame this on Bush too.

Lying, lying, lying everywhere in this administration. Those dolts seem to think that we of the stupid masses are just that, stupid.
And, yes, we were stupid to have elected this bunch of Marxists to absolutely destroy our country.

Private Ins company many of it is SCAM.

If some of you would grow up and take a shot of reality instead of just being against everything because you dislike OUR President, we may get something done.

Chicago politics as usual. When you see a politicians lips moving, it is best just to take it as the LIE it is. It figues, now that I am unemployeed and not eligible for benefits that he will try to squeeze more money out of me for a health care system and his other pet projects that are equally ignorant and wasteful. LEAVE MY HEALTH CARE ALONE! I am happy with the health care I recieve for the amount I pay, I don't want to be forced to pay for stuff I won't/don't need! For example, why should I have to fund abortions if I don't have the physical equipment that would precipitate needing one? Leave it to the private insurers, if you really want to trim costs, get rid of the illegals abusing the system, sieze all their assests and return them to port of entry and let them walk/swim/whatever back home, that goes for their families if they don't like it either. For all the bad press the US get, how come so many are breaking into our country?

And wouldn't you love it, CNN, if you and the media would stop making up the news, the American people would be better for it. President Obama NEVER said he would raise taxes on the middle class, but it has been a never ending headline since the Sunday talk shows. Which didn't generate enough headlines, so you made up the news. We have enough misinformation being spread without your help. Fair & balanced – sure!!

To begin with all political candidates make promises they don't keep. Contrary to popular (Democratic) belief and polls the Republicans dont have a monopoly on this.
Only the people that were stupid enough to elect Obama would continue to belive the lies that continue to come out of his mouth. To think that he continues to keep spending us into a defecit (something Democrats are good at doing) without raising taxes is stupid (another Democrate trait). He is continuing to weaken this country and trying his best to turn us into a 3rd world communist nation.

CNN, what did President Obama say , there will be no HIGHER TAXES on the MIDDLE CLASS, and why is Cnn always trying to create DOUBT about the President, you Cnn it is getting so OLD. The American People are in a NEW DAY, and this RIGTH WING propaganda is so SILLY. CNN your are becoming a GOP TOOL,and if your NETWORK thinks you will succeed , your in another WORLD. Cnn your playing with FIRE ,and the HEAT will come from the DECLINE from the American People, watching your Network. President Obama will WEATHER every STORM,and the President is HONEST, and says no NEW TAXES on those making 250 thounsand. Every MINUTE,cnn , lets see what we can do the discredit the President, it wont WORK. And CNN, the President is just getting STARTED on the RNC and GOP. Cnn the MISSION your on to to stop the AGENDA of the President is (FAILING). Happy Birthday Mr. President

And......he may not.

This is just another media created bunch of nonsense. Just because someone said that nothing is off the table, CNN decided to stir the loonies with threats of tax increases for everyone. They knew the paranoids would fall all over themselves in a panic and of course, they did.

Please read the story before you say the GOP is lying to beat up on the Pres. This is a CNN story which quoted Obama's top economic advisers who said they would leave the door open on middle class tax increases. The Pres. then spanked them and said there would be no taxes. If you have ever taken Economics, please explain how we can finance 2 trillion dollars for 2 programs and not raise taxes?

Our banker China would say NO someday, what then? At least in the Bush’s stimulus, we all got a handsome check of $1200 or so, but who got what for Obama’s stimulus?

Soak the rich is fine, but the way it goes, many potential rich already started working their way backwards.

Once the economy and job market returns
Middle class will be able to work and making money.
I wouldn't mind paying a extra taxes if that means cut down the deficits

Obama will not fall into a trap like Bush 41.
Obama is caught in a trap of his on making. His campaign of hate Bush, lies and class warfare has been the trap that he set and now thr truth is starting on surface and the media can not explain it all away.
Deceit is always exposed by the bright light of truth.

I cant understand why people think that raising taxes on the upper class will help the economy. People on here seem to feel that they are some how making out lovely. They already pay way more than anybody in the middle class. Why the upper 2% of society is forced to pay for everything is beyond me. Just look at your paycheck now, you think you have alot of taxes taken out, imaging making 250k a yr?? They have $100k a year taken out in taxes or more, more than double the amount the average middle class worker makes in a year and people want more taken out. The middle class is a bunch of complainers and freeloaders.

I'm okay if my taxes increase to fund the initiatives the president hoped to implement. I'm middle class. I'm still planning to vote for him again in 2012. He's no HW Bush!

This "tax" thing is just another way for the GOP to mislead, scare, & side step pass the real issue. I wish folks would turn off the television & start reading. Healthcare in the US is ridiculous! We need reform & we need it now!

The Republican disinformation machine is in full gear nowadays.

Why? Because it works for them. Scare the American people into believing one thing or another that's completely and utterly untrue, and they'll surely win votes next election.

Democrats have shown a weak spine in the past against this Republican/conservative tactic. Republicans are worried about their party's future election prospects, and it shows.

the gop is a dead party why do you people listen to them

I would GLADLY pay more taxes in return for good health care and education. Like they do in other countries in Europe.

I am a 22 years old and I think Obama has no idea what he is doing. I pay for my insurance, yes it is expensive, but I make it work. I also live knowing that if something happens and I have to get medical treatment i will still get the BEST MEDICAL CARE IN THE WORLD! People come here to get treated because our medical system has allowed us to specialize in feilds.

In order for his socialized medicine to work Obama would have to raise taxes.

I already pay enough taxes for things I don't believe in.

Oh and before any of you braindwashed political party fanatics start attacking...I am INDEPENDENT. I vote all sides.

20 years of shipping good jobs to other countries and replacing them with service sector jobs. Are we all really surprised the economy finally tanked?

The model was unsustainable, that's why Bush borrowed 6 TRILLION DOLLARS during his administration.

First, I find it amazing that several of the comments on this story want to blame the republicans for spreading the middle tax class increase story. You need to blame President Obama's top two advisors for letting that cat out of the bag Sunday.

Second. of course he will have to raise taxes on almost everyone in an effort to reduce the deficit. We can't keep increasing the deficit like this forever. However, the issue isn't that we need to increase tax revenue. The issue is that we need to stop spending so much. What happened to the pledge from President Obama to review the budget "line by line" to eliminate waste and reduce spending? So far, no one in Washington has the ability to read their own bills, much less perform an exhaustive review of the federal budget.

No pocket CHANGE you can believe in? Thank you Bleeding Heart Democrats for voting this clown into office!

The only trap being set here is the one CNN is trying to set. The President did not say he would raise taxes on the middle class to fund the healthcare plan. Would you people report the news and stop making it up? I watch MSNBC and I have to say I see more news being reported and not crap being made up like you all do at CNN. Soledad O'brien is the only real new person on this network, she does an amazing job on the stories she covers. Maybe the rest of you at CNN can try actually getting the fact and stop spreading these ficious lies and scare tatics.

Tax, buzz buzz, get scared now!

Don't be fooled (again) by the promise of not raising the middle class tax rates.They knew all along they would have to tax the middle class to fund all the give away programs they had planned. And they show no signs of slowing down the incredibly wasteful spending. The cash for clunkers program is just such a waste.Some of the people getting these new cars are also getting a car note that they may not can afford and probably will default on anyway.

I hope his programs FAIL!!!!

This is the end result of mindless greed, from americans spending with plastic like they were making millions, and corporations loving it as they watch the fools go into debt.... It is all about uncontrolled greed, and absolutely no responsibility, personal , government, local or national.

Free Markets work well with responsible over- site, and go to Hell very fast without it...

Hey, everyone? This isn't a story saying that Obama is going to raise taxes. It's speculation by *one person* and his opinion on what *may* happen. It's no more valid than if I said "Bigfoot and Loch Ness Monster MAY have dinner with President Obama this weekend."

Historical fact time: Bush's "no more taxes" was nothing more than a campaign pledge; neither he nor the Republicans as a whole have ever cared about the middle and lower class, or lowering taxes for anyone but the rich. Obama, on the other hand, has worked for middle and lower class *for his entire political career* and built himself on that virtue. The last thing he would do is raise taxes on those who can't afford to pay more taxes.

We can only hope that people will wake up and see that none of Obama's promises are worth a plugged nickel. I can't think of one that he's kept, but there's a long list of campaign pledges that have fallen this side or that.

Read *MY* lips:
No Second Term

Obama,,,does not need to fall into Bush 41's tax trap,Obama has already lied too much to be credible...How can Obama say what this Health care bill will do and will not do when it is not even in final draft form and has already had 100 changes made to it?Plus Obama has not even read it Yet........We need Tort Reform first,to reduce the health care insurance and Medical care costs. A loser pays system will do away with all the frivolous law suits and reduce costs.

Spend, tax and blame the old administration. No change here, just regular democrat policies.

Correction: Bush, Sr. said "Know New Taxes"

The insurance companies are in it for the money. Period. They don't give a hoot about the customers needs. Not one iota. The idea that you pay premiums and can't get any service is ludicrous! Please bring on the reform and bring it quickly. And there is no reason whatsoever why anyone in this vast, rich nation should be without basic health care. Ridiculous.

Whether people live or die shouldn't be a "for profit only" venture. Living or dying is NOT a privilege.

Obama lied and America is financially dying...

CNN has successfully disenfranchised a viewer for censoring my comments. I like MSNBC anyway. Farewell CNN. Tough luck not getting branded as Fox Jr.

Any member of congress who votes for any tax increase loses my vote on election day. If President Obama signs any bill that causes a tax increase he loses my vote as well. NO MORE TAXES!!!!

Shouldn't you advertise this as commentary? ya know, since it is not a fact. Elephants may break out into choreographed song and dance...but it ain't gonna happen. CNN may return to the fundamentals of journalism But we both know that's not gonna happen

He didn't do anything else he campaigned on so why not.

If Obama hadn't handled our economy the way he did our monetary value aka as dollars would have been converted to Euros. Our Government didn't tell us this because it would have scared off countries that lend us money and force them to call in their debt which would have caused the worst economic failure in history. Read for yourself people and know the facts before listening to Republicans who are complaining about Obama's spending. READ AND RESEARCH FOR YOURSELF TO UNDERSTAND WHAT WE ARE NOT BEING TOLD.

hahaha....this is just getting better and better everytime, why do we need to talk about Bush again, Bushs' era has not over yet??? Bush did so much damage, here there everywhere, Lets not talk about Bush anymore...foucs more in the future, Obama at least has been balancing the economy and financial market and it is working somehow, thank you Mr Obama at least you are honest and put common citizens first.

The real trap to avoid is the one where he listens to rightwing goons and their fairytales. That's the trap Bush 41 fell into....he was still trying to sell trickle-down economics, when the Reagan economic house of cards started to come tumbling down. Somebody eventually had to pay for the Reygun deficits, as he fed our money into the military industrial complex...TALK ABOUT SOCIALISM!!!!.....and Bush 41 was left holding the bad cards. Sound familiar?......now Obama is left holding the pathetic cards that a bunch of rightwing goons spent 8 years making bad.

Like me, Obama and all of you should ignore everything these neo-idiots have to say.......they broke it yet again, and are now complaining when someone comes along with a great plan to fix it.

Any fool knows that Obama can't keep spending like this an not raise taxes on the middle class.
The idea of adding a VAT on products will only increase the cost of goods for everyone. You think those corporations are going to eat that tax? Hell no. They will pass the costs onto the consumer.

China is going to want their money back at some point in time.
The money has to come from somewhere.

And when he does, not if, raise taxes he will be a one term president.

I understand why President Obama made the pledge. It was because, he felt like the middle class had been chafted the last eight years under the most ineffective and stupid administration we've had in last 100 years. But, it still baffles me when they make such pledges knowing fully well that the economy is not static and that we need to start paying off our debt as well as eliminating our deficit spending. However, before the middle class is asked to pay for their share, let the rich, who benefitted immensely from the tax cuts of the last eight years pay their share first. They talk capitalism, but as far as they are concerned, capitalism to them is exhorbitatant profit them, but shared losses when they lose money. I'm sick and tired of "Too Big To Fail." Lets practice true Capitalism, not "Capisocialism." or admit that we're not a true capitalism and get over this stupidity.

The man said he would not. end of story!

I'm sure when Obama ups our taxes he'll just be Obama as usual.......blame it on Bush.

It will not matter when Obama raises taxes, because our progressively corrupt media will first be instructed to confience the mindless masses that they should be paying higher taxes. No different than the corrput influence peddled during the last election. True journalism is dead in America..

Break your tax promise and go back home to Chicago in 2012. Leave healthcare alone until the job market is strong period.

Hey, all of you Libs who want higher taxes, you know there is nothing stopping YOU from paying extra taxes. It is all perfectly legal and your extra money will be appreciated by the IRS. Oh, wait, I bet you are fine with higher taxes as long as somebody else pays them. That definately describes a good part of Obama's cabinet.

The Bush haters have spent so much time and energy demonizing the last administration that they cannot bear the possibility that Obama is no better. Time to move on, people. Smart people are tired of the stupid and childish "he's not as bad as Bush' argument. That was then, this is now. BTW – placing so much angry blame on one president speaks more to a person's ignorance about how the constitution works and less about a single leader. Obama certainly is rushng through change. We'll see how much of it turns out to be something we can beleive in. A lot of Egobamaniacs are going to have plenty of egg on their naive faces before 2012. But then again, they can blame Bush, right? Obama/Biden: One and done.

Its time for us to make our media more responsible. Pres. Obama did not say he would raise taxes..neither did his team on Sunday..but the media which likes to keep a 24 cable cycel going, misinforms us so they can make news. We need to push back..stop watchin and this garbage if they are not going to inform. Us...we are paying for this now..they helped Grorge Bush push his war by misinforming us. CNN I used to have respect for you, but you guys are turning into nothing but Fox and MSNBC. Lou Dobbs must be proud!!!

Check out PolitiFacts dot org. Umbama has broken quite a number of promises so far. Why will he stop now. He knows his starry eyed followers have a bout a 5 second memory so he only has to wait that long.

Look how many times during the campaign he changed the income bar in discussions. He makes it up as he goes then claims he didn't say it. Dude we have internet access, we can see you.

The private insurance nightmare stories are coming to an end, thanks to Obama.

i think this is bad. We shouls tax the low class,this is because it's there fault there poor. They could easily afford to live if they even got a job at taco bell.

this is once again a bunch of hoopla faux outrage about nothing. Who can answer a hypothetical question different then they did. If I ask somebody can you 100% guarantee me a tornado will not hit my town in the next 5 years, they would say anything is possible.

No he won't.., because we don't care about running up the debt!!

I don't mind paying higher taxes. If that's what it takes to undo the damage started by Nixon, exacerbated by Reagan, and taken to the extreme by Bush/Cheney then so be it.

I didn't like it when my tax dollars were funneled to corporate friends of the GOP via no-bid contracts thanks to illegal wars, but I wouldn't have a problem with my tax dollars being used to bring the US up to par with the rest of the developed world.

There are other sources that Obama can tap to generate tax revenues. The cigarrette and alcohol industries come to mind. If it were at all possible he should rescind any aid given to states that have thus far refused to put to work their stimulus money. I personally, do not mind if my taxes go up a bit if it would help ensure that healthcare is made affordable to everyone. I have private insurance.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY PRESIDENT OBAMA!!!!!

Obama is a liar! I don't care what his excuse is. Don't lie while you are campaigning and change your mind not even a year later. Go to hell Obama, I hate you.

OK so if he doesn't raise taxes for the middle class he will raise them for those making over 250K yet again, BUT the folks making over 250K are already footing the majority of taxes. How is that fair! Let just make is simple EVERYONE....YES I MEAN EVERYONE pays 10 percent. SO for you who can't do the math. 10% of 50,000 is $5000, 10% of 250,000 is $25,000. If you DEMS are so eager to get all of these social programs paid for then you should quit yelling and START PAYING TAXES....NOT GETTING BACK more than you even pay in!!!!! DEMS GROW up and be responsible...work and pay your taxes quit always looking for a handout.

And for those of you who want to keep increasing corporate tax go ahead that will just get you laid off....

What? We are going to spend trillions of dollars on junk projects, socialize the health care industry and confiscate private companies AND pay for it too? I thought the obscenely wealthy would just pony up the extra tax money.

People never complain about the postal service run by governement which never bankrupt Fedex or DHL or whatever.
People never complain about medicare or medicaid run by the government.
People never compalin about the VA hospitals run by the government.
Nobody ever complain about no other government run services and non of them as far as i know is a bad service.
Now the oppose government option of insurance. Wow
Here is an option let any registred republican get off medicaid and medicare and VA benefits buy their own private insurance and let every democrats opt for Public option and we will see who wll survive and who will die.

Were going to catch all the tax cheats soon,like Rush Limbaugh,that use offshore accts to hide his millions from taxes due the American people.

I don't have kids. Nor do I plan to. Why should my tax dollars go to fund public schools? You mommies and daddies are a bunch of lazy freeloaders looking for a handout. If you can't afford private schools, too bad. Have a nice day!

Obama is such a smooth talker...he made all this attractive promises during the campaign just to get elected...very slick...."no increase in taxes my _ss...

Anyone who voted for this clown should get that tax increase, I am sure they would not have a problem with it.

Isn't it really cool how the Republicans are going to try to hang this albatross around Obama's neck? Let's review, shall we?

Bush enters office with a HUGE surplus.
CHECK

Bush and the Rep congress spend like drunken sailors for 6 of 8 years
CHECK

Surplus completely wiped out by massive tax giveaways to rich people and stupid useless war on country that did not threaten us
CHECK

Obama campaigns on a promise not to raise taxes on the middle class
CHECK

Suddenly, the fact that we're in this hole is Obama's fault?

it just goes to shjow you how ignorant our people are. they only care about themselves, not the strenght of our country.

At 48 Years Old, Obama has been fighting half of his life for struggling middle class families.

All I can say is that Obama is NO Bush.

Just a matter of time. There is no way around it for him.

My problem with tax increase rhetoric is that taxes go up no matter who is in power. If the Federal Government doesn't raise your taxes, the States will. Hello, California anyone? Last time I checked our Governor was not a Democrat.

I enjoy the benefit of taxpayer-funded medical coverage (my husband is retired military), and I'm of the opinion that everyone should have the same access to affordable health care as we do. We don't pay a monthly premium, and our annual deductible is $150 per person. Our co-pays are kept in check by forbidding treatment providers and facilities from balance billing. The catastrophic cap ensures we won't be left destitute should one of us develop a debilitating illness. We're still relatively young, and will continue working and paying taxes for another 20+ years. We're not wealthy by any stretch of the imagination, but we wouldn't mind a small tax increase if it meant that everyone could access basic care. IMO all income, regardless of how much or the source, should be taxed at 3% to pay for it. Everyone would contribute, spreading the "pain" as thin as possible. A healthy workforce is a productive workforce.

The GOP could only hope. NOT VERY LIKELY. Different century, decade, and voter. We need health care...We voted overwhelmingly in favor of President Obama and his platform. We sent Washington the message and the their walking orders in Nov. The politics are to do what we have instructed Congress to do. Regardless of GOP and News Media spin( networks need to fill in the gap in between elections) Congress must give us what we want ...those who say NO are not performing and will be dealt with in the 2010 elections. I will gladly spend an extra $1000 a year in taxes if I can save $2000 on my health insurance. Just think of the annual savings we will have once we get out of that Republican mess in Iraq and Afganastan !!!! That will pay for LOTS of health care and at least WE ALL will have something to show for our investment.

This is just another media invention. It must be a slow news week where the media is now trying to manufacture news. I listened to the same Sunday talk shows that the media is now claiming to show the president backtracking his campaign promise of of, "No Middle Class Tax Hike" What I heard was both the Treasury Secretary and the Economic Adviser being asked if the administration would consider raising taxes on the middle class to help get the deficit under control. They both responded as any intelligent administration would, that they cannot rule any in or out. That sounds like a prudent and sensible thing to do. Given the fluidity of our economic system, no administration would make that king of commitment. That does not mean that they're going to raise taxes on the middle class.

I have no problem paying slightly higher taxes. So long as the money goes to help MY COUNTRY!! Stop giving it away to ungreatful nations that take the money with one hand and flip us the bird with the other. No more petty wars and wasteful, inefficient defense spending. If higher taxes mean fewer potholes in the roads around here, cheaper healthcare, better paid public servants (teachers, police and fireman, NOT politicians), more jobs here in this country, securing the borders, and keeping me and my family safe here at home, then I'm all for it. Taxes are not the worst thing in the world, and paying them is the patriotic thing to do. But it darn well better go to something thats going to benefit myself and my fellow countrymen.

Where exactly did you think the money for all this was going to come from? Magic? I have no problem with higher taxes so long as its used to pay down the debt and money used to fix all the screwups Bush made.

He shows no signs of slowing down on spending, so he's going to need more revenue. Tax increases are the only thing left. And if he raises taxes on middle class he is toast.

We really need to have a serious debate about taxes as the defeict spending spree our Government is on can only lead to MUCH higher taxes for everyone. China doesn't want to continue buying our T-Bills so where will the money come from to continue this defeict spending spree?

But our Government continues to LIE to the American public and treat us like helpless children. Just for once it would be nice to see our elected officals be truthful.

This is not a hard problem to solve. Eliminate the IRS, impose a $.12 on the dollar federal sales tax, legalize marijuana and tax it the same as tobacco and alcohol, problem solved and money in the bank. We'd be flush in no time and have a surplus by the end of the 1st term. It's not rocket science, it's basic economics.

The government is spending its way into a corner which will require a tax increase which is one of the reason maybe now is not the best time to overhaul the health care system. Given the decreasing tax revenue, the threat of inflation and debt the government is running up, the only realistic option is for Mr. Obama to raise taxes. This could have been avoided if he spent more wisely. That said, it will be interesting to see how he defines middle class. He considers the rich to make $250,000 or more a year, as a New Yorker with School Loans for my MBA, $250,000 after taxes barely makes the rent, elementary school costs, etc. I would assume his definition of middle class would be a much lower income level than is a realistic estimate of middle class and he could get away with saying he is not raising taxes on the middle class, but in the end the majority of us will pay for his mistakes with higher taxes

Even if Obama did have to raise my taxes, I wouldn't vote for an extremist like Palin or Huckabee. Republicans need to get serious if they expect to have a chance in the future. I think a lot of people would support a socially moderate, fiscally conservative third party about now.

there's a difference between raising taxes and letting tax breaks expire. Those tax breaks are also the first time EVER in american history that the tax rates went DOWN during a war! goes to show how little Bush knew about economics 101

He has already raised taxes with his cap and trade tax!! More new taxes to come, look for them to be disguised as other things.

This seem to be, with the help of the media, the big corporation strong arm tactic. What Big Corporations want to know is if this President is going to repeal the tax cuts to the rich. They have been shedding jobs as a threat to the President that if he does not repeal the cuts they will not hire back employees. The President need to stand firm. If these firm can pay themselves these hugh salaries and bonuses, they can afford to pay their fair share of taxes and pay their employee, too. I know it is a bold move for the President, but Big Corporations must ask themselves are they willing to allow the country to fail or will they step up to help us turn this country around. We cannot continue to support the tax cuts for the rich. After all is done, Big corporations and and the rich and wealthy always seem to find a way to write off everyting and not end up paying their fair share of revenues. We already see a 57% decrease in revenue from big corporations. How is continuing with the tax cuts going to bring in more corporate revenue?
The only people who have paid their fair share of taxes is the middle class. They cannot hold this country up.

I am willing to bet that the this is a hyped up scenario (just like the one about the President "mocking" Newsweek when the man did no such thing), and as usual those easily swayed or driven by a "Chicken Little – the Sky is Falling" mentality will fall for it. Wait and see! If I am wrong then I will switch parties ASAP (just kidding!)

President Obama WILL NOT RAISE TAXES ON THE MIDDLECLASS Dont worry Republicans are LYING AGAIN!

I think it's funny how often Republicans, who basically support and uphold all big business interests, fight anything that would be good for the people who elected them when it will only bite them in the arse later if they get through.

Case in point: a general population with more disposable income generally DISPOSES of that income BUYING the things Republicans make their money selling! While GW was in office, housing, banks and Wall Street got into such a greed frenzy they DROVE us economically to where we are today - average people unable to afford even basic necessities.

You can't have it both ways, Republicans. You can't drive America into thrid world status so you can find cheap labor at home (the REAL goal here - it's obvious to me) AND have a population with money to spend on the stuff you want to sell them.

Obama gets this. He sees that Health Care Reform will put more DISPOSABLE income into people's pockets, which they will spend, which will improve the economy AND increase tax revenues. Same as the jobs programs.

I'm getting REALLY sick of the Republicans' short-sighted, me-first greed.

All this Obama bashing is just hapless noise coming from the republican mouth piece machinery. In the end it is full of hot air. The GOP knows that if Obama can accomplish even just half of his goals they are done for, hence all the drama from the GOP.

G.O.P. = Grumpy Old Party

Considering the US government gave out 64 Billion dollars in free money, and 50% of the individuals making under 50K did not even pay income tax last year, I don't see why Obama shouldn't raise taxes.

BTW, the top 1% of the earner in the US paid over 40% of the tax liability of all US taxpayers (over 95% of all filers). So don't think the taxes you pay are anywhere as bad as theirs are.

George H W Bush made his campaign promise in good faith. But when his financial advosors presented the facts to him, he did what he thought was right for the country and not what was politically expedient. Barack Obama may face a similar conflicted choice. He may have to choose the harder right over the easier wrong. I believe it will be a defining moment for him as a leader.

I think taxes should be raised on the large corporations in addition to making it illegal to hide money outside the country in order to avoid taxes. I think the middle class has been screwed enough in this country and it's time we got some breaks.

What's good for the goose..... in 1992, democrats in Congress backed Bush in to a corner he could not get out of. Remember, Congress was democrat controlled back then. Result? Bush lost because more Americans than not believed the lies being spewed forth. The only difference now is that Obama is the one who has been LYING from the start.

Let's get real....No one would listen during the campaign when McCain and Palin told you that Obama would have to raise taxes to pay for all of the spending he was proposing. He is taking our country down a path that will be difficult to recover from. It all sounds nice, everything for everybody, but it is not realistic. We've still got at least 3 1/2 years of this to come. God help us all.

No he won't. It's the rich who live off the work of real people who Obama will make pay their fair share. Fair Share!

Mr President "Not one dime of new taxes of any kind if you earn less than $250,000" That is what you told us 10+ times. That is what you PROMISED 20+ times. That is what you PLEDGED 50+ times.

I expect you to keep your word. I expect you to keep your promise to America. I expect you to keep your pledge to America.

If my taxes go up, you have lost this life long Democrat for good, and that vote I gave you last November goes to ASNY Republican; and that $200 I gave you last October, goes to ANY Republican

I worked for 25 years in a hospital billing area and I can tell you horror stories about working to obtain payment from insurance companies for patients. They try every trick in the book to deny a claim. I have personally dealt with these insurance companies on behalf of patients who become so frustrated and who also do not understand the benefits they have in their polices. If nothing else is accompllished, I do hope this president can do something to make these insurance companies be honest. Believe me, they are not honest.

But there is a difference-GHWB did not know the price of one gallon milk, and hopefully, BHO might know it.

Only the truly greedy worry about tax increases.

I have to give the republicans credit where credit is due. The GOP is one nasty party, fueling one controversy after another in hopes that something will stick.

After all the hoopla over the polls last month, looks as if President Obama's polls have made a bit of a comeback over the past week. Gallup has him at 56%.

As a middle class citizen, I can understand the need to raise taxes. Had taxes been raised, say, 5-6 years ago, perhaps we wouldn't be in the situation we are in today.

However, I would rather the taxes of those who have reaped the benefits of "no new taxes" - the wealthiest of the wealthy - get their just deserts first.

I and mine are tired of eating cake.

I am not going to be tricked by GOP propaganda again. I want the tax cuts to be fair with all americans not some. Healthcare system is the number culprit that needs readjustments.

Happy Birthday Mr. President.

please republicans and non-trusting dems....just read the bill! i have insurance and what this will do for me and all others that feel there premiums are going up every six months will get the cost down for us so that if we are happy with our plan we can keep it but get it cheaper.
it will help my daughter because she now has an existing problem that NO carrier will insure. she basically has to work just to pay her medical costs. it would be wonderful to see her get insurance to improve her quality of life. the republicans have distorted this beyond belief and most can't tell you what is even in the bill. they are all working to keep the big insurance companys fat &happy so they can get their hands on money themselves. please just read the bill and then deside for yourselves.

GOP drama...that's it...white house clearly said no taxes...yesterday..but if they want let them raise who make more than 200k instead of 250k...they need to fix the Health care and fix it now...ok..

At least in this case my tax money will go toward providing much needed health care to Americans instead of bombs to kill foreign citizens. The government needs to pass health care reform so that there is no longer an insurance company employee standing between me and my doctor, determining what treatments I "qualify" for.

Obama and the government are finding out that if you lie about
something , the truth will catch up to you, and you will lose in the end.

There story should be fixed to give the whole story. Bush 41 wanted to lower federal spending, not raise taxes. However, he had a democrat controlled congress that would not let him. The deficit was important to him though, so he did it the only way he could with dems, raise taxes. Too bad Bush 41 did not have Bush 43's congress. Bush 43 was not a fiscal conservative at all.

This is just speculation. There is nothing backing up this claim. I believe Obama is committed to not raising taxes on the middle and lower class. Whatsmore, he's smart enough to know that if he does, it will kill him politically.

This will not happen. The republicans hope it will, but Obama will keep his word, unlike Bush 41. The republicans hope America fails.
That's how much they care about our great country. They are victums of their own arrogance and stupidity. America will get better as the GOP fades into the sunset!!!!!!!!!!

Makes no difference how the White House tries to spin this issue. The facts are what they are: a public system will not have to compete and will destroy private health insurance. The result will be just as Obama stated. I don't care what lies he is telling AARP.

Are you so gullible as to think he would not lie. Two Obama administration officials talked about not taking any taxes off the table this weekend. Those comments were a trial balloon and they got bit by their constituents on Monday so they backtracked. Only the SHEEP from the Obamanation could believe the Rich can pay in entirety for his obscene agenda. Get your Checkbook.

I don't think so....wishing thinking for the GOP.

This is a media and republican driven story...anything to create controversy and confuse voters.

People need to start talking about their experiences with insurance companies. They need to talk about how the insurance companies have denied their claims based on pre-existing conditions. They need to talk about how they are going bankrupt because they got sick. I also find it interesting how people are easily scared by rich people. Why do people think rich people and insurance companies are fighting so hard to stop health care reform. It is because of the size of profits they are making from health insurance. If you do not believe me than look up the profits from health insurance providers. Educate yourself! Don't believe all the scare tactics. I used to work at an insurance company and trust me they have people dedicaded to looking through medical records to deny claims based on pre-existing conditions. If people would like information about what everything means in their health policy they can call a health insurance advocate. I encourage people to call and advocate and then tell me if you are one illness away from bankrupcy.