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Obama calls for rich to pay more, keep middle-class cuts

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1 of 4. U.S. President Barack Obama gestures during his first news conference since his reelection, at the White House in Washington November 14, 2012.

Credit: Reuters/Larry Downing

WASHINGTON | Wed Nov 14, 2012 5:46pm EST

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President Barack Obama on Wednesday pushed for his proposal to have the wealthy pay more in taxes as a way to tame the federal deficit, taking a hard line in his opening bid before he begins fiscal talks with U.S. lawmakers later in the week.

"We should not hold the middle class hostage while we debate tax cuts for the wealthy," Obama said in his first press conference since winning re-election on November 6.

Obama also said he was encouraged some Republicans have agreed to raising new revenues.

With the presidential election over, Obama's talks with lawmakers begin in earnest on Friday when he meets with Senate and House leaders.

(Reporting By Kim Dixon; Editing by Sandra Maler)
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Comments (49)
RayofLight wrote:
Who’s being held hostag here Mr. Obama?

Nov 14, 2012 2:13pm EST  --  Report as abuse
Brain wrote:
I don’t get this idea that the rich should pay more and more in taxes.
Most rich people stayed in school, did the right thing, work and continue to work hard while creating more American jobs, are extremely generous and charitable, do NOT use social services, do NOT use public transport, buses, subways, etc., already pay 95% of the nations income taxes and even more in payroll taxes for their employees.
So, why does the government want to FORCE the rich to pay more taxes? How is “fair share” defined here? Doesn’t this sound absolutely stupid? Does Obama want us to tell our kids, “you know what? It is better to drop out of school and not do too well in life beause if you do, you will end up paying more and more in taxes. Instead, let the rich pay for you while you relax your butt”.

Nov 14, 2012 2:29pm EST  --  Report as abuse
robb1 wrote:
Mr. President, please just tax offshore job outsourcing to start.

Nov 14, 2012 2:31pm EST  --  Report as abuse
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