Democrats... this isn't hard.

So, last week Rep. Boehner delivered the Dems quite a gift when he signaled his willingness to compromise on the Bush tax cuts set to expire at the end of the year. It would allow Democrats to finally claim an economic message, seize the news cycle, and show the public how they are for the middle class while the Republicans are for the wealthy.

So, you're asking, when does the 'but' come? Why haven't I seen them jump on this strategy in order to weaken the GOPs electoral chances?

Well, frankly, I DON'T KNOW.

This isn't hard, guys. Here you go...

1. The House needs to hold a vote to EXTEND the Bush tax cuts for everyone making 250,000 or less a year.
2. When Republicans guffaw and protest turn a camera on them and tell them to either vote "with the middle class" or vote against them. If they vote "NAY," take the footage, turn it into a campaign commercial and run it in their district. If they vote "YAY", tell the public that you've achieved a bipartisan agreement because the GOP member of Congress has decided that the Democrats were right.
3. The Senate should do the same damn thing, and if the GOP chooses to filibuster the vote, LET THEM. Allow them to stand on the Senate floor for hours holding up a vote to give tax cuts to everyone in the middle class. Make them explain to average Americans why they won't vote for tax cuts when that's one of their biggest platforms. If they want to threaten to filibuster than you need to call their bluff.

This is an issue that the Dems can win with. The public is NOT in support of giving more tax cuts to the rich. So, force this issue, and you can at least stem your losses.

Buck up and do the smart thing. This is a fight you can win.

-- Joseph Banks