WASHINGTON (AP) - President Barack Obama says a deal he has
struck with congressional Republicans on renewing Bush era tax cuts
keeps his 2008 promise to protect the middle class from an increase
in tax rates.
Appearing at a news conference, Obama said he believes "my job
is to do what's right for the American people."
He said that "because of this agreement, middle class Americans
won't see their taxes go up on Jan. 1."
Obama spoke amid criticism from fellow Democrats and liberal
organizations who charge that he caved in to Republican demands for
keeping existing tax rates intact for the wealthy. Obama vowed
Tuesday to fight any long-term protection of the wealthy against
higher rates.
(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
