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Power Play 10/18/2012

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    Tax talk complicates election and are candidates short on specifics?

  • Duration 25:19
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We have one -- left before our final debate and I hope he's able to come up with an agenda over the weekend -- And that last debate he's able to describe what he'd do if he got four more years but that's not likely to happen so it -- -- need to worry about it.

Saw a lot you know that our -- -- of the new deal.

You've heard of the fair -- You've heard of the square deal.

-- promised not to sell you -- -- deal.

And that.

-- is dueling accusations.

Between Mitt Romney campaigning in Leesburg Virginia.

And Barack Obama who is the president of the United States campaigning in Mount Vernon Iowa.

Which has been pummeled by repeated visits from the campaigns as it is -- key part of -- -- state.

This power play and I -- Chris Farrell and let me let you in -- something Internet.

They're both quite right.

Both of them are short on specifics you know one.

They're politicians running for office for goodness -- the new idea being thrown back and forth between these campaigns that the other -- -- -- be acting like a round table between the Cato institute and the urban institute is not.

Is not real do not do not buy into that but we'll talk about the battle specifics because it is entertaining.

And all of that stuff we will talk about the -- This school -- if that is looming out there as it now has suddenly become a campaign issue.

And the -- as the president and Democrats take a more aggressive posture as it relates to setting themselves up for the lame duck session.

And we will talk to -- headed -- We'd like very much and who asked as usual a very Smart column today so he is back by popular Internet man we've got super -- our points on the Rust Belt.

I just because I don't know how you can even take -- Internet it's so much wonderful -- And part of that -- -- promise is of course Bob Cusack he's a managing editor of the hill you follow him or you should follow him at about these acts.

And he got a haircut I did it.

Did it.

Take -- Saturday gunfire -- anti Bob Cusack it's not just his writing that is hindsight it is is -- OK so here's the here's the question.

Both campaigns have.

Both candidates have very successfully.

And frequently.

Complain that the other one is short on specifics yet blasted the of Romney campaign -- -- an empty binder here's the president's -- there's no policy in it for next year.

And Barack Obama on the -- has been -- he's hiding this stuff from you.

Who does this don't get anywhere with voters or don't they just assume that politicians are never going to give them specific.

It must work to some degree because both saying it is getting comical and -- say he doesn't have a brand.

And then Obama's and you don't have a -- -- down one point like you know just minimizing attacking today and as you said.

They they they don't have a specific plans is and you get hit on the specifics -- Romney doesn't do a lot of.

Specifics on his tax plan on immigration we don't know what Barack Obama's gonna -- gonna go for comprehensive immigration reform.

But you know for the DREAM Act.

You know these things are gonna be settled after the election itself -- but it is it's getting a little silly -- think this.

It's quite silly and I want let's just tell you I mean.

Mount -- I was not a big place.

This places -- I believe three visits from.

Either the the president Mitt Romney and I believe Joseph Biden within the last couple of weeks.

These poor people I mean come on what do they do wrong what it might Mount Vernon do wrong I think is that in Jasper and I thank.

But anyway.

We're getting into basically now the closing argument.

For the election -- -- we do have the foreign policy debate everybody is in much of the latter.

Over that but in truth.

I would and I hate to be cynical and please don't quote me on this but I suspect after the first ten minutes of that debate people get -- Okay enough these views of the football game until -- and I was like there's lines which is that Obama's team says line as -- distract and this is the -- -- the adopted hometown.

Of the president against the native city the city of Mitt Romney's Willard.

-- I'm just gonna -- ratings.

And it could hurt -- -- the lines and in addition and they're picking up -- they've been little sketchy -- -- database to yeah.

Specifically to -- -- for the Steelers little sketchy so I'm in no I'm -- no place to talk.

-- the idea though that the president and we.

We have been expecting a -- positivity for the president to make a forward looking visionary.

-- put a little -- -- -- little polish.

Out there after what has been.

I guess unprecedented late negative campaign correct that he was gonna make that hit it.

We saw that we now -- signs post debate that he is actually escalating the attacks on Romney.

And going harder how -- -- gonna -- I think he keeps going -- I mean this is an ugly campaign it's a grind.

When you think back to what Obama promised the nice thing change politics well that's kind of out when he's got to win he's got to go negative.

And -- -- I don't think it's gonna it's gonna stop it's gonna get more intense over the next month -- three -- nineteen days.

And I don't see no Romney -- -- -- I mean it's it's gonna get ugly but but how far you go I mean you can go too far it is possible and they have.

The -- -- well and at a certain point you know president I keep watching Bill Clinton and I keep seeing Bill Clinton like basically like us.

Obama this is how you do it you with yes you do it like this this is how you win this which is -- defense.

The big initiatives of the first time -- this why we had to do to help bought this is why the stimulus was necessary.

And then -- it and say.

And here in the cross and blue cross the bridge into the twenties would be the second decade of the 21 century yes and we will do these wonderful things and it will be -- you do with humor and you do all that stuff.

Obama though doesn't seem to be -- for that right now.

No no I mean President Clinton he he doubted the democratic strategy in 2010 not an -- Democrats.

And you do see that and in Clinton's speech while long was better than Obama's speech on my -- check in -- he's laid out those specifics and I don't think gain Obama is doing his own thing but he's using Bill Clinton on stuff he needs to.

With -- -- speak to attract those -- there.

There oh lead in the Bill Clinton Bruce Springsteen.

Tour their their jam.

There are more baby boomers Tennessee Alice commercial it is -- believe it is like hey remember when and like.

Crank up the Fleetwood Mac and your Prius on the way home and like innocent until.

Good that's a good thing and that's what people want they want to feel good because -- not feeling good right now and and Bill Clinton on illegal Clinton really has that has that magic and I don't know Obama could even pull it off but but you're right I think he -- Trying to push him in a certain direction.

Because you know 2016.

-- -- when he wants Hillary to run you saying I think he's.

-- Hillary Clinton to run Hillary Clinton who has.

-- out of the wreckage of the Libya -- debacle yes and so question on.

Monday when they have their foreign policy debate.

Down in Boca.

Good time to get get get your -- -- gear out go out there pitcher you know picture a white -- ready.

But when -- when they're down -- talking about it.

The on foreign policy president says that he can or that -- today reports prison says that he's gonna hold Romney accountable.

For politicizing.

The bad guys -- -- is that risky to talk to I mean I guess that guy's gonna be talked about to such great life yes like that that that's about what he's got right.

Yeah that's right I mean if you think -- event that deadly -- -- happened.

Obama would be going into this thinking you know it's mentioning bin Laden again and again right now -- -- the whole dynamic I think he does have to play offense he's going to be playing defense there's no doubt about it.

And and Mitt Romney certainly fumbled he had a huge opportunity score points the debate -- they got C did not.

Well he did not because candy Crowley's strictly all he was right he was running towards the end zone is -- -- -- well I think if he said listen.

You knew or you should have known -- that.

More security was needed.

And then you know watch for Americans -- to get -- -- a very powerful argument and he EE DS and I think he's going to be making a -- one on Monday.

Yes they will be there will be throwing deep balls that his head coach is absolutely prepared to take whatever Barack Obama throws.

Bob Cusack and his -- we thank you thank you quite so Trevor dean says this Chris Farrell win is that profound statement of the day all politicians lie.

I don't know if I said exactly those words but those words are accurate so I am happy if you will -- them to me I appreciate that Trevor OK we've got to take a quick break but when we come back we will happen rock and roll and all for you we will talk about.

The fiscal cliff that looms out ahead at the end of the year and will we drive our car off -- -- and how does it affect the election.

Will be fun you'll enjoy it -- stick around.

-- for Republicans to come to the table around a grand bargain.

Should be the potential for serious entitlement reform.

Not the promise of a lower tax rate in tax reform.

And that was Charles Schumer is a Democrat who represents the entire State of New York speaking on October 8 at the National Press Club and what.

Senator Schumer was -- wing.

Was laying the smackdown.

And telling Republicans that when we get into December and it's time to deal with -- the fiscal.

That is looming ahead for the federal government that they better except the fact that tax rates are going up.

Four top -- this power play and I'm Chris how and you know that I had been who who it.

The fiscal -- because as -- pointed out the election has everything to do with -- for the green -- -- folks they have to worry about.

What's gonna happen raids and and they do retroactively and what is it gonna do to the business climate for the first quarter.

And those things but we -- know.

That the reason these -- have been kicked so far down the road as it relates to current tax rates as it relates to a mandatory reductions in future spending on social programs and the Pentagon.

As it relates to all of these things and funding the government an ongoing basis both sides agreed that they couldn't companies so they let the voters decide.

So we have -- Now we are on -- We are going to uncle who the fiscal cliff because it may have something to do with the election.

And people who can tell us that -- -- slap he is the former White House political director under tour.

W bush -- his Republican strategist.

And you can hire if you want to expect that it will help you do stuff.

Not like house payment like win races and things and Julie were jet ski.

Is in New York she's a -- -- communications director.

To Jon Corzine she is therefore -- Democrat and she joins us from the mother ship on the fourteenth floor of the foxnews.com.

Universe.

Julie how you doing welcome from the mother shed.

-- George Clinton is going to come out later on -- The -- -- -- Julie we'll start with you is that us.

I want to show you what Lori Montgomery.

Wrote in the Washington Post today.

And she said this free from the political and economic constraints that have tied his hands -- the past.

Obama President Obama is ready to play hardball with Republicans.

But so far successfully resisted -- deal -- the debt that includes higher taxes Obama's allies and basically to translate that that's folks on the hill saying.

Guess what we think Obama's gonna win but even if he doesn't he's gonna veto any thing that you throw it again.

Whatever the Republicans might pass that does not include adding that the rates on top earners go up.

I am I -- today.

That in fact what this means is that Democrats and congress probably should've been quiet about this and letting -- get past the election yes -- now.

Well why would they be quiet about it they're basically thrown down -- -- -- and you know what.

Mike my problem Democrats has always been that they start negotiating from what they consider to be the middle and then ultimately the Republicans are negotiating the heart rate and then if you -- -- compromise.

You move sort of the middle right in for the Republicans always win and that's an old trick the Democrats have been horrible.

Horrible playing all along all these years Obama as the number one sort of not victim -- -- that where he -- -- -- reasonable but then you know by appearing reasonable.

He moves.

Towards more the Republicans want and where he would've wanted in the first place finally.

For years too late they've learned their lesson and they say look the -- down a marker this is where we're starting from.

You guidelines compromise you might want to move slightly over to our side in -- negotiation.

And start stop compromise -- start compromising our turn to set -- us compromising for the past four years on your return some very glad it finally did that.

That -- has not been on the show enough times Matt now that we are winning more cynical than that and actually talking about what legislation might be produced.

We are of course talking about the -- -- politics -- that await us on November 6.

And -- I would have to think that for the red team for your folks.

They like the idea of a discussion of looming tax increase for all because essentially.

What the Democrats are saying here is and they said before Patty Murray and others have definitely said this before.

Is that we don't care if you will not allow the tax rates go up on the top.

We're gonna let the tax rates go up.

Yeah that's right.

Where's the other -- plays out.

But the thing -- -- amazing to me is that you know.

President Obama's really unique -- -- there's not a southern Democrats be elected president in our lifetime right so you really think about it it took it took.

The south Carter Clinton right to give them kind of the veneer of being a moderate right they got elected in southern state gives guys the collected from the suburbs of Chicago or city organizer.

He's now overseeing perhaps the worst economy we've seen.

In modern times in.

She's watching economic growth -- down on the right things are going the wrong -- -- let's say you were to win a general that he's going to let's just say you weren't particularly you.

Well he's going to -- he -- into reelection.

He really can have the first thing he does.

Justice finally don't like it like in our economy.

-- something that makes the economy even shakier if he does that.

His legacy is could -- be if you elect -- Democrat to the White House get ready because the economy is going to the basement.

And I just got to think there's a couple Smart people around to say is ideologically rigid as you are Mr.

President.

That probably she gets -- recruits going so we don't destroy the whole name brand of our.

Party Julie can't you can the president use this it's a complicated as we are demonstrating -- this is complicated business.

And it's hard to explain all the ins and outs of this can the president -- use this as an offensive weapon with Mitt Romney who happens to be I understand rather rich.

Is it possible to use this against Mitt Romney instead of just beings being accused of raising everybody's.

And of course because Mitt Romney and then Matt you know I appreciate your saying but let's not forget whose administration it was that ran this -- the cliff those not Barack Obama and that was George -- I know you work for him but.

Let's be honest and admit to what actually happened.

Yeah.

And yeah I'll tell.

Good job.

And -- at age of president starting the economy I guess you really can't -- economy and Barack Obama right it's very convenient to blame it -- you know I can't -- that you can't.

I'm about his policies are making it work well that you say that George Bush's policies are the reason that we had the big crash in 2008 -- furthermore -- say that would Obama has to do.

-- acknowledged the fact that say this very vociferously that under the last democratic president within apocalyptic message was that you raise taxes on the rich economies -- to be running the ground.

Bill Clinton presided over the biggest postwar economic expansion.

Since basically in -- -- of the Pacific before this event in World War II so poor right now and so there's awards -- fellow -- So -- you look -- Obama and -- look at what he's doing you can basically go out there say today that -- Mitt Romney and his allies on the hill.

That are holding the rest of us hostage because they want to preserve tax breaks.

For the richest among us among whom is Mitt Romney and that's a very powerful message that the message that really helps Obama.

A -- in places like the Rust Belt Ohio Michigan and it's a message that is a winning message for -- him -- -- an encouragement to continue playing it of their Republicans.

One -- holds the rest of us hostage to the Republicans want to say.

All of your gonna get a tax hike -- the rich don't get a tax break.

That's a winning message god bless I hope the Republicans -- and that message from now -- respects.

Last -- you get glassware plus will remind you that the Obama motto is forward quite it's about what they're going to do.

And all they seem focused on -- about what already happened.

If -- messed that one messages they have going forward.

Is that they want to punish people that can actually create jobs.

Actually think -- America there's still this kind of you optimism I certainly haven't that we're gonna get to those maybe you'll be able to sit around the table with people the wealth of people exhibit.

Call -- when they -- be successful that's what America's about people come to this country and they succeed and they hire people they present there have been some.

Size of your family that you better jokes are OK Julie and Matthew thank you both thank you for you were patriotic good spirited participation -- lack.

And -- have a super day.

We're going to take a break.

And we -- going to come back and we are going to continue to rock your world Internet because somebody that you'd like who has a very Smart column -- -- -- -- from the Wall Street Journal and he will be back with another dose of -- excellence for you.

-- -- -- The buck stop with your secretary of state as far as what went on here.

Senator Clinton has done an extraordinary job.

But she works for me.

On the president.

And I'm always response.

And that wives Candy Crowley asking.

President Obama in the debate that took place on Tuesday.

Where the buck stops and that was a little applause and little hesitation.

That you heard before he delivered what was obviously -- well rehearsed line and this is power play.

And the president says he's always responsible -- that's what he told.

Candy Crowley in that debate and has said elsewhere.

But our next guest.

Has some doubts as reservations.

On that question.

And -- key is as you know perfectly well.

Any manager he's it deputy editor of the wall street journal editorial page more germane to you right now and it is that he's the author of the wonderland column.

It appears each Thursday the Wall Street Journal and if you do not read it you are silly you should you should you should -- yourself because it is.

One of the very best things -- about politics every week -- welcome back.

-- -- -- -- -- OK so you -- you held and it was again you're you're due to the scam.

And you and you held you held on this.

That in you in this week's edition.

-- wonderland.

I love this line.

Where you said.

That you compared to -- to a turtle menu says that -- in debate number one Mitt Romney exploded out of his turtle shell and Barack Obama.

Disappeared and it is mr.

Obama supporters want to thank the defensive performance was one -- is not to be sure Barack Obama has been shrinking -- he loves the bright lights of the presidency.

What he can't handle the embarrassments.

That come along with it brings to -- So explains.

Well.

That clip that you showed.

Chris -- -- Ghazi embarrassment and obviously the administration's been embarrassed by it but.

The question was why did Candy Crowley feel that she had to ask him directly whether the buck stops with his secretary of state.

And the answer to anybody who's been paying attention to -- been Gaza the issue is pretty clear which is that the White House.

Had from day one put distance between itself and that event.

And even when the president is being asked -- the debate whether the buck stops with him or -- secretary of state.

He gives us kind of a bleak answer which is -- you know I'm -- responsible for everything that goes on he didn't really.

Say that he had any kind of or any sort of responsibility.

For the security breaches in Ben Ghazi.

And I connected that with this narrative of this spin that he's been using all through the campaign of saying that the economy.

However bad it's been in the last four years any thing that is bad about the economy is George Bush's fault.

Going back to 20067.

And 2008.

In other words Barack Obama.

Bears no responsibility.

Whatsoever for anything bad in the economy over a four year period and I thought -- myself.

You know most people in their normal lives feel that when someone's around something for which they do hold some responsibility.

And bad things happen they step off and -- -- I've got a piece of this and he seems to be.

On able to bear any kind of responsibility.

For what he's obliged to be in charge of as president of the United States.

-- By the -- this -- ask you which side of Cleveland did you grow up on.

Oh very good question I grew up on the east side of Cleveland's -- that you -- -- is like east and west Beirut the two sides -- -- with each -- -- death.

Death death definitely not and all right so it was like I was look -- what neighborhood what part of what part of kind of south south you put in Cleveland Heights.

Do okay all right so it's not not many folks in there and up on the wall street journal editorial page -- but I'm told I'm told by my sisters back there that Josh Mandell.

Parents are are cropping up all over the east side of Cleveland may have a shot against Sherrod Brown.

Well Woolsey about that -- -- where there is no doubt that we thank you for your help today and a great town all right good doctor Chris.

And you know what else Internet you know this is true.

That probably on election night we will be sweating -- home county Cuyahoga County Ohio there on the decision -- will be.

And wringing our hands over it late into the night we will may have to call him up to get a little tip account his sisters are voting.

OK so I hope you enjoyed that I know I did some housekeeping.

Number one.

Is that KT McFarland can you believe that KT McFarland who had he made it.

National security issues is in for Jonathan Hunt up next and she's going to -- rack your brain -- on the issues for Monday's national security debate.

Speaking of which if you like watching.

Internet television.

Think you could do that.

On Monday at 845 I will be in the mix and you'll see Harris Faulkner and -- -- down and Kati and all sorts of good stuff that you like right here.

So you can start bracing yourself in advance.

For that because I know.

We have a good time and each of the debate nights.

So those things are true.

And this is also true let's have some power points.

And the power points today revenge of the Rust -- I wrote about this in my power play today -- Which you can have simply for following me act cease fire won't just do that just follow me -- -- -- and I will take you through.

These five states of the rust out so here's the deal our point number one keys to the White House.

I -- law.

And Michigan.

I didn't put Michigan on the list that's unfortunate I should -- but it's those five states hold the key you've got more than seventy electoral vote -- you have seventy electoral votes right there.

And -- place -- Democrats have been doing increasingly well over the last twenty years out of those five states you've had 25 contests.

For president since then 1992.

Republicans have won three times twice in Ohio and once.

In Iowa got a great record for Republicans and Democrats are that's how they were gonna get it done well Mitt -- moved up in the polls dramatically he just two weeks ago he was seven points down in on average in those five states out just three points and he's moving upwards so things are afoot so why.

And here's the second -- voters in this region increasingly feel left behind.

Economic activity -- moved to the south social issues are being driven culture social and cultural issues are being driven by what's on the coast.

And they feel like they're left out of the discussion pretty substantial ways cynicism has -- about the political process here and they are less likely now to trust either part of that's true for everybody in the country but it's especially throughout the -- seventy court or as they look and say nobody is going to be able to get the job done so -- point number three.

And this is true for both of these candidates.

Hope sells the candidates -- both parties that did well in this region particularly.

Ronald Reagan and Bill Clinton.

Had a success full message of economic optimism.

In a region that has been taking a shot lacking for forty years after leading the nation's economy for a long time.

For four decades.

This Rust Belt region has taken a pummeling as manufacturing moved overseas.

And the kind of sustainable wage hourly wage jobs.

That build a middle class in this region.

Got got shellacked so hope cells if you can articulate a message of hope but Barack Obama did in 2000 Nagin get the job done.

We'll see whether Mitt Romney can do it to those your power points for today thanks for indulging me.

No Charles today because as he pointed out in and out of town speaking engagement but we will be keeping our eye on special report tonight.

At 6 o'clock eastern and hopes that he will make a return appearance we are grateful to -- Internet for making time for -- today and we will see you back here tomorrow at 11:30 eastern.

Have a great day.

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