Dems Scared Of Their Mandate Tax

Dems ‘Stumbling,’ Scared To Defend Mandate Tax

“The Obama administration played down the tax factor… The healthcare law contains a slew of tax provisions.” (“Supreme Court Ruling Casts Tax Shadow Over U.S. Healthcare Law,” Reuters, 6/29/12)

“…senior administration officials argued that the penalty was not a tax…” (“High Court Gives GOP New Weapon On Taxes,” The Hill, 6/29/12)

·         JAY CARNEY: “it’s not a tax…it’s a penalty” (Twitter, @MarkKnoller, 6/29/12)

·         DAVID AXELROD: “…what it is is a penalty…” (NBC’s Today Show, 6/29/12)

·         STEPHANIE CUTTER: “It’s a penalty.” (“Obama Campaign Spokeswoman Won’t Call Mandate A ‘Tax,’” The Washington Free Beacon, 6/29/12)

“…Democratic leaders were stumbling Thursday when asked about the ruling that the mandate was a tax — an argument that was quickly becoming a GOP talking point.” (“Democrats Take Short Health Care Victory Lap,” Roll Call, 6/29/12)

“The cautious and measured statements from Democratic House and Senate candidates Thursday reflected the unease about renewing a debate that ended badly for the party in November 2010.” (“GOP Sees Down-Ballot Gold In Supreme Court Decision,” Politico, 6/29/12)

·         SEN. HARRY REID (D-NV): “…wouldn’t say if he agrees with the Supreme Court ruling that the individual mandate in the health care law is constitutional as a tax.” (“Harry Reid Won’t Say If Obamacare Mandate Is A Tax,” Daily Caller, 6/28/12)

·         SEN. CHARLES SCHUMER (D-NY): “…who heads the Democrats’ communication and policy arm, also sidestepped the question.” (“Democrats Take Short Health Care Victory Lap,” Roll Call, 6/29/12)

·         REP. CHARLIE RANGEL (D-NY): “‘Do you think it’s a tax in your personal opinion?’ ‘No, it’s a fee for services,’ Rangel replied.” (“Rangel: Obamacare Mandate Is Not A Tax, It’s A ‘Fee For Services,’” Daily Caller, 6/29/12)

SUPREME COURT: ‘A Tax’

SUPREME COURT: “…the shared responsibility payment may… be read as imposing a tax on those who go without insurance.” (Supreme Court Of The United States Syllabus, National Federation Of Independent Business Et Al. V. Sebelius, Secretary Of Health And Human Services, Et Al., 6/28/12)