by Dan Mitchell | Jul 25, 2011 | Big Government, Blogs, Government Spending, Taxation
As a Washington policy wonk somewhat involved in the current debt-limit fight, I will confess that it is very frustrating that the White House has never produced a deficit-reduction plan. I’d much prefer a spending-restraint plan, of course, but I’m flummoxed that...
by Dan Mitchell | Jul 22, 2011 | Big Government, Blogs, Taxation
There are rumors that Obama may do a bit Clinton-era triangulation and agree to a GOP-friendly increase in the debt limit. That means no tax increases and as much as $3 trillion of so-called spending cuts. I’m skeptical, and even if it happens, I suspect that most of...
by Dan Mitchell | Jul 18, 2011 | Big Government, Blogs, Government Spending
Here’s a new video from the Cato Institute, featuring my pearls of wisdom, along with equally sage commentary from my colleague Chris Edwards. We make two simple points. First, America faces a Greek-style fiscal crisis if we leave the federal budget on autopilot...
by Dan Mitchell | Jul 17, 2011 | Big Government, Blogs, Government Spending, Taxation
Appearing on Freedom Watch, I explain that the White House is very flexible. The President will be happy if GOPers cut their own wrists and agree to a tax increase. That means Obama can tax and spend. But he’ll also be satisfied if Republicans approve a “clean debt...
by Dan Mitchell | Jul 13, 2011 | Big Government, Blogs, Government Spending, Taxation
There are three reasons why I’m not very hopeful about the outcome of the debt-limit battle. 1. There is no unity in the GOP camp. Republicans have been all over the map during this fight. Some of them want a balanced budget amendment. Some want a one-for-one deal of...