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Top GOP senator ditches Norquist anti-tax pledge

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    Sen. Chambliss says addressing looming 'fiscal cliff' takes precedence

  • Duration 5:10
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Well another Republican is breaking ranks with the anti tax crusader Grover Norquist saying that addressing the nation's looming fiscal cliff.

Takes precedence over Norquist anti tax pledge that many members of congress signed years ago Georgia senator Saxby -- is telling.

A local TV station quote I care more about my country than I do.

About a twenty year old pledge -- we do it his way.

And will continue in debt and I just had a disagreement with him about that here now to talk about it.

Juan Williams a Fox News political analyst Brad -- and former deputy assistant to president.

George W.

Bush right Brad 250 Republicans signed the pledge.

Never to a vote for a drop in tax rates or B limit deductions.

But unit you know what -- -- -- house said the other day John Boehner he says he's willing to do the latter now you just saw what Chambliss says so.

Is the era of Grover and he is ubiquitous pledge.

Over.

No I think -- Grover deserves a great -- -- of credit.

For keeping that pledge to the American people holding Republicans give it is over now we know we have a different we have different set of circumstances perhaps with a Democrat should -- had is the wrong Grover Norquist on spending and we would be in the mess we we -- we find ourselves and but here's the reality great 2012 the American people vote for the status quo.

Nothing's changed since two months ago we had the same basically say make up the government.

Obama patrols the White House we control the house Democrats control the senate but guess what the American people don't -- -- -- status -- in governance.

I have something -- got here is Gloria there's a recent Rasmussen poll -- one I want you to take a look at it as well last you about a 57%.

Agree.

They're raising taxes on those making more than 250000.

Dollars a year is a good idea can you put that up on the screen if you -- the poll.

35%.

-- -- almost 60%.

You now think the president's probably on the right track -- wind Andy given his reelection.

Circumstances have changed have they not and the president has therefore a political advantage.

I think he has some leverage and he certainly can point to the election results not only his reelection but of course adding.

Democrats in the congress and in the house and you look at the new incoming house Republicans I think a dozen of them have refused to sign.

Norquist is -- and in addition to Saxby Chambliss you have Tom Coburn.

And and I think Bob corporate Tennessee.

-- and John McCain of Arizona -- making noises about it's time to believe that twenty year old tax pledge behind so.

I think the environment has shifted and as you mentioned -- Speaker Boehner has said revenues on the table -- he hasn't -- that means an increase in tax rates.

But he is open to this idea in a way that I don't think the rhetoric at least suggest he's still in a way that was not true before -- -- even conservative Bill Kristol -- on FOX News Sunday that that Republicans should take the president's offer fact let me quote him here really.

The Republican Party is gonna fall on its -- to defend a bunch of millionaires half of whom voted democratic and half of whom live in Hollywood and -- hostile.

I didn't does crystal have a valid point.

He does have a valid point and what Republicans have to realizes that it's a time for compromise Democrats have to compromise.

On spending Republicans have to compromise on revenue.

And it depends what your definition of rich is we happen to believe.

That hurting the middle class and hurting small business at Warner 50000 is not fair perhaps upper income individuals.

Have to pay more not necessarily -- -- close those deductions increase -- com.

Into the treasury there's lots of things here that can be on the table on revenue it must be on the table in order get the compromise we need to get over this -- One why not force wealthier Americans to pay more in taxes not I would breezy in the race.

But by eliminating the loopholes putting a cap on deductions and exemptions depending upon the cap it would actually raised.

Even more revenue.

Then raising rates which the president demands and by the way the studies show it would only hit the top income earners isn't that.

The real compromise.

Yeah I think that's out there and I think that's what you'll see in terms of what's being called a bridge.

That we'll take these negotiations past the fiscal -- safely and then allow longer term negotiations on big ticket items.

Going for especially the big entitlement spending the grand bargain as a top.

But I would just throw in here for your consideration great that what you're seeing now is.

You know -- -- A desire on the part of Republicans politically to say to the American people.

We're not stuck.

Where willing to do what's best for the country right now.

And -- -- that's why we're gonna give you something we're gonna say yes we're making some concessions were compromising.

And that will put President Obama on the defensive -- to make that big cuts that bread and other Republicans want to maybe guest now in that what you're seeing from Chambliss is Smart politics time Brad like -- -- -- Williams.

Gentlemen good to see you -- and he's.

Have a great weekend okay you too.

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