You're watching...
Grover Norquist of Americans for Tax Reform on lawmakers and Warren Buffett turning against the 'no tax pledge.'
Also in this playlist...
Auto-advance: ON
Auto-advance
This transcript is automatically generated
-- situation is different.
Now to Grover Norquist the man behind this pledge to never raise taxes Americans for Tax Reform president.
He's an RDC bureau today it sounds like -- the story line is that you're losing your considerable influence within the Republican Party is that what's happening.
Well first of all our our friend Warren Buffett needs to get at a competent ghost writer.
The idea that taxes don't affect economic growth.
Is -- one -- but it's counter factual runs counter historical.
In in his imagination Warren Buffett goes and talks to people to invest with him who have money who've earned money.
And our federal government takes it away they don't have any money to invest with Warren -- fair -- kind of -- -- -- mrs.
Where the money disappears in this process.
And visited China and that in there isn't Warren Buffett line that's been introduced Steve Scully is congressman from Louisiana.
Has introduced legislation to have a little Warren Buffett line if you think you're under attack like -- Warren -- You can make a contribution to the -- right right.
Have more anybody's side for a second provisions for the argument today we've had that discussion about Buffett before it's back in the news because of the op Ed today.
But what about the Republicans and what about the idea that your influence people signing pledges saying hey I'm never gonna raise taxes that they're now on the record.
In growing numbers saying you know what I may break that pledge.
Well several things that pledges not to -- -- to the American people and the three or four people you just mentioned also the same thing two years ago.
That the press in pushing this narrative for the laugh that Obama should have more money to spend which is his budget.
And that there's some Republicans willing to raise taxes on the American people so Obama can spend more of their money.
They're kind of turning in last year's homework again Brian what shall we would you Lindsay Graham has been -- -- -- Today odd to another Republican is watching is saying you know I'm think -- I've watched.
That whatever whether it's Lindsey Graham -- Saxby Chambliss Peter -- not a non John McCain these others that have made similar comments especially over the weekend.
If another Republican is watching that.
And is even said that bill -- -- John -- said that revenues on the table what would you say to them if they're thinking about also breaking this this pledge.
Well let's distinguish between -- Boehner has said which is that we revenue should be part cannon should be part of any DL I certainly agree if the economy -- at 4% -- -- of 2% for the next decade the federal government would net.
An additional five trillion dollars.
That's real you could pay all of Obama's debt down.
By having strong someone else on regular -- and have been talking about relative through tax hikes dot specifically -- taken his case they're closing loopholes which you would consider a tax hike right.
That's that had -- -- What he said is what I -- what Obama claims he said is a separate matter that's why the budget deal fell apart in 2011.
Is Boehner was very clear let's have pro growth policies to get revenue and Obama -- -- you've agreed to tax increases.
And they make that talks collapsed because Obama.
Mistake hit.
Read about what they're -- turn up the BS -- elevate the original question once again what do you say to Republicans are thinking about breaking the pledged those that are not on the record yet.
Yet look it.
Much Republicans have signed the pledge but even the ones you haven't have made it very clear when they ran for office that they believe that higher taxes hurt the economy.
We have a problem because Obama Reid and Pelosi -- spent too much money Friday entitlements are looking to break the economy.
We need to spend less raising taxes to give -- the politicians more money to continue spending.
Doesn't solve any problem at all not even the peace what they already -- -- -- a big break it and it just.
-- -- you'd you'd think this is the narratives being pushed by the media and all that which is fine but -- If they break -- that does speak something to see your own personal influence doesn't it and that it's not as prison wants Plosser.
No because for the last twenty years they've all kept the pledge and I'm just just me.
The pledge however and the tax issue are very very powerful.
Anyone -- prediction that they'll keep it again.
I think they'll keep it again and I think they'll take a look they'll call George Herbert Walker Bush in retirement.
Not spending its full second four year presidency.
Because she raise taxes because he.
Did not be honest with the American people he promised he would not raise taxes and he did and what happen -- raise taxes they spent more money.
The Democrats you promised that they'd say that and put in a lock box and reduce the deficit they just spent debt.
-- -- -- -- Is to raise taxes one point six trillion.
And increase spending right he has no -- in his budget.
He wants to count savings because he's not in Iraq anymore well they threw -- out that's why it's not in Iraq okay -- He can't count that as a budget cut.
For today we'll leave it there but we're gonna come obviously come back to this over and over again Grover Norquist thanks.
