Following an upsurge in his approval ratings, President Obama has decided take on the challenge of going up against the Republicans in order to extend payroll tax breaks for American workers. According to White House aides, it seems as if the President has the upper hand this time.
In taking a tougher stance since September and leaving Washington to bring lawmakers under pressure from voters, the President seeks to rid himself of the “weak leader” image that he has been given by the Republicans.
Precisely the reason why the Republicans are not willing to give in to the President’s demands in regards to the tax break that are set to expire on January 1, 2012. No matter what – this is something that neither party can afford to remain stubborn on as workers will see their paychecks shrink but this will also cause a stunting of economic progress that has all but just begun.
In fact, the White House has gone as far as to say that the Republican Party has denied Obama’s proposals to damage his reelection prospects, without any regard for the fact that these initiatives might drop the unemployment rate as well as give the economy a much-needed shot in the arm.
It looks like Obama’s strategy is beginning to work because his approval ratings are much higher than any member of Congress (less than 10%) at the moment, thanks to the long-drawn debt ceiling debate last year.
As for the payroll tax cuts, it’s becoming evident that one way or another, Washington (and the Republicans) will have to concede, and do it the easy or the hard way.