Crossfire

Author: James Carville and Tucker Carlson

Published: September 19, 2002

[...]

CARVILLE:

How many times have I tried to tell you that President George W. Bush is of the rich, by the rich and for the rich? But don't just take my word for it: today's "New York Times" published an eye-opening study of last year's giveaway to the rich tax cut. It shows most middle class families are going to get clobbered.

If you're married with a joint income of more than $75,000 a year -- the paper used an example of a cop married to a nurse -- by 2010 you'll have lost all of your usual deductions and will be paying higher taxes.

I'm not talking about obscure deductions but the deduction for your children, yourselves and for your state and local taxes. And while W's rich friends are shopping for a new yacht, you'll be stuck in the 26 to 35 percent tax range bracket.

The paper says 85 percent of taxpayers with two or more kids will get the Bush treatment. It's an outrage and it's also the law.

My suggestion to all of your policemen and nurses out there is find a job making $1 million a year so this administration (UNINTELLIGIBLE) something for you.

CARLSON: It's interesting -- by your definition 75 grand a year makes them the super rich. But I'm going to...

CARVILLE: I didn't say that. I said it's a cop and a nurse.

CARLSON: Just a little civics quiz: Does the president raise or lower taxes? No, Congress does.

They ought to lower taxes -- I agree with you. And it's Congress' responsibility.

CARVILLE: It was his proposal.

CARLSON: The Democratic (UNINTELLIGIBLE).

CARVILLE: Look -- all the Republican Party cares about is doing...

CARLSON: We're back... CARVILLE: ... and campaign contribution from them. What they need to do is pass a tax cut; pass one that benefits all Americans.

CARLSON: I'm for that and the Democratic...

(CROSSTALK)

CARVILLE: ... for it for a long time.

[Show continues...]