Pre-empting the Republicans

The lead story in today’s New York Times, “Obama Weighing Broad Overhaul for Income Tax,” showcases both the President’s political talents and his policy genius.

At a time when it has become popular in Democratic circles to criticize the President, much of it justified, credit goes where credit is due. According to the article, he is considering a massive overhaul of the tax code, eliminating many deductions while simultaneously lowering rates.

Surprisingly, the overall effect from this effort is a net positive in fighting the debt. That shows just how much the complicated nature of today’s tax code is taken advantage of by the rich and corporations with their high-geared lawyers and accountants.

This effort simultaneously takes the initiative away from the Republicans by pre-empting one of their major issues. In some ways, it follows the policy of triangulation undertaken by the Clinton administration, after President Clinton lost the Congress in 1994. In fact, President Clinton has been summoned to the White House for a chat with President Obama today.

The overhaul of the tax code also follows the approach suggested by the fiscal commission, an approach that was supported by two very conservative Republicans on the panel.

Whether the Republicans are willing to cooperate with the President in these matters remains to be seen. But the good of the country would seem to demand it.