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Grover Norquist of Americans for Tax Reform discusses the continued efforts to lower the deficit and whether the GOP will agree to tax increases.
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-- Barnes thank you very much to demand now holding Republicans accountable on any tax hikes as part of any deal.
Grover Norquist is the president of Americans for Tax Reform.
And he joins us now and -- -- People didn't already know you you were the man behind the no tax pledge but a lot of people say that pledge is in trouble what are you set.
Well the Republicans.
Publicly committed themselves to not raising taxes speaker Boehner just a few days ago.
-- Republicans oppose any tax increase could it be bad for the economy.
Mr.
Iraq after the number -- guy in the house also stated his opposition.
To any tax increase I -- -- -- Some people who said gee if we raise taxes maybe the Democrats.
Well give us lower tax rates of course the Democrats that their face so that people -- -- fantasy and their minder a little.
Taken aback.
The problem -- if you say you might raise taxes in order to get a unicorn.
When somebody tells you there's no such things as unicorn which it's tough to take back here promise of higher taxes so all they -- -- put themselves in the damaging position of saying.
That.
Taxpayers were not.
Going to be protected by -- and they got actually nothing other -- Scorn from the Democrats for showing that ankle.
-- there's a lot of lot of history to that that's happened in years past but but there are Republican defections and let me read.
From Ohio Republican representative -- -- to -- who said and I quote him now there is a lot of talk about pledges talking about the no tax pledge.
It's time to put the pledges in a bonfire.
What do you how do you react to that.
-- Steve Lott -- from Ohio whenever there's a list of Republicans have defected and supported some left wing labor union issue.
Steve Lott -- name is on that -- So he -- that a history of not.
Being with the pro free market pro growth Reagan.
Part of the Republican Party.
But it is disappointing because he has taken the pledge in the past.
Although again he's been an advocate for higher taxes.
Given an opportunity he's wandered off.
The ranch on that one and of course as you know the -- is a simple once sentence commitment not to raise taxes -- it most emphatically does not have a time limit on it.
And we -- Q and -- out with all pledges which sets the pledges that first long assuring congress child mr.
Lott Trent knows perfectly well that he signed an advertised when he ran for office.
That he would never raise your taxes.
If he wants to go back on that.
He does need to talk he would meet where he needs to look to people in Ohio in the eye and say you know and I you voted for -- I lied to you I lied my way and offered up.
Presumably you what I GD one presumably some people voted form on the basis that that pledge I don't know how many but presumably some bit.
That you are used to being a targeted Democrats of course but there's a particular.
Turn in the way they're attacking you in the way they're attacking people who signed a pledge and -- company you with the pledge.
That it seems a little different and may be paying off toward the democrats' latest play is sought of senator Harry Reid and the way he's attacking and ask you.
Ask -- whether it's having any effect.
It is a little disheartening.
To read this stuff do you I read from.
Grover Norquist.
Should be it will take it.
Yourself.
Maybe they shouldn't impeach Grover Norquist.
So -- they said impeach Grover Norquist they said they're giving speeches that we should compromise under deficit but never did a compromise and Grover Norquist they're trying sits at paint you knew.
As a very dangerous person be associated with -- is that having any effect with some of these Republicans.
Now but what look what Harry Reid.
It the problem Harry Reid has is that he's a big tax and spend liberal Democrat from Nevada he almost lost his last election.
On that they're about to lose another senate election be because of that and in Nevada.
-- but if he stood up and said I'm trying to raise your taxes and Republicans disagree.
That would be a campaign that Republicans.
Showing pretends that -- haven't argue with me.
I'm not elected Dan -- -- -- a taxpayer group.
It's kind of childish because everybody who signed the pledge not to raise taxes that was a commitment between them.
And the American people between them and the taxpayers.
In their state.
Harry Reid is trying to get around the fact talk about anything other than the fact.
That he wants to raise taxes to Obama can keep spending.
And Republicans are saying no.
That's why the Democrats will lose the senate in 2012.
Unless Harry Reid can talk to Republicans in the slashing their arrests and raising -- alright.
Now we've said raising taxes many -- talked about tax rates as opposed to tax revenue.
A lot of people on Simpson Bowles was all about this lowering the tax rates but getting rid of a lot of the deductions and that it might actually even bring in more tax revenue are you okay would that.
This Simpson Bowles proposal of course was never completely written down never put into legislative language.
However in outline form Paul Ryan looked -- -- he was on the committee voted against it.
Because congressman Paul Ryan of Wisconsin said Simpson Bowles was -- two.
Trillion.
Dollar tax increase over the next decade massive tax increased that Heritage Foundation says it's actually a three trillion dollar tax increase.
With the spending restraint largely -- -- Simpson balls like 82 and nine.
Spending cuts for real tax increase deals.
Which one more effort to raise taxes rather than cut at lowering rates and getting -- deductions are you good -- that.
As long as it's revenue neutral oh yes Simpson Bowles -- massive tax increase that.
We should have tax reforms such as Rick Perry has put forward.
-- -- Romney.
A number of or Paul Ryan.
All dramatically reduced rates broaden the base such and do not raise taxes Grover Norquist good to see you my friend thank you very much sure.
