McConnell Offers Vote on Obama/Geithner Fiscal Cliff Plan, Reid Objects

I've been critical of Republican tactics and messaging this week, so let's give credit where it's due: Moments ago, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell took to the floor and offered an immediate vote on President Obama's fiscal cliff plan, which shocked the Beltway late last week.  (In case you're keeping score at home, this was the surreal proposal that induced McConnell to laugh out loud as it was outlined by Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner).  Harry Reid quickly objected and shut the whole thing down, labeling the suggestion a "stunt."  Think about that.  The President of the United States, a Democrat, crafted a fiscal cliff package that would give him everything he wants.  It has tax hikes on the rich.  It has huge tax hikes on investments and estates.  It has more stimulus spending.  It has no meaningful, specific, or guaranteed spending cuts. And it compels Congress to cede control of the debt ceiling to him.  This is "fairness" on steroids.  The Senate's top Republican proposed an up-or-down vote on everything the president wants, yet Democrats, who control the upper chamber, instantly blocked it.   By what definition is it a "stunt" to hold a vote on the president's full, public plan?  The White House has insisted it's a serious document, yet Hill Democrats don't want it to see the light of day. 

Read more: http://townhall.com/tipsheet/guybenson/2012/12/05/surprise_mcconnell_offers_vote_on_obamageithner_fiscal_cliff_plan_reid_objects