Off the table

Here's what I think Obama and Pelosi should do:

John Boehner and Mitch McConnell are adamant that raising taxes on the wealthy, even to close absurdly unneeded loopholes, is "off the table."

So the Democrats should reply by saying: OK. Here's our position. Cutting spending on a single program that benefits the middle class or the poor and needy is off the table, absolutely, no exceptions.

Now, it's time for you Republicans to make a negotiating offer that's something other than simply demanding 100% of what you want.

In fact, in his news conference, Obama did refer to the Republicans as having a "my way or the highway" position on taxes. And he said he, "I don't see a path to a deal if they don't budge."

Ralph