Ep 20. Dems, GOP Still Tussling Over Fiscal Cliff

Dems, GOP Still Tussling Over Fiscal Cliff is the twentieth episode of the first season of Seib & Wessel. In this episode, the hosts discuss the ongoing political impasse between the Democratic and Republican parties regarding the looming fiscal cliff.

The episode begins with a brief overview of the fiscal cliff, which refers to a series of tax increases and spending cuts that will automatically take effect at the beginning of the new year if Congress fails to reach a budget agreement. The hosts note that although the fiscal cliff was initially designed to force lawmakers to address the long-term federal budget deficit, it has since become a political bargaining chip that both parties are using to try to gain the upper hand.

The hosts then delve into the specific sticking points between the two parties. On the Democratic side, they highlight the party's continued insistence on raising taxes on the wealthiest Americans as a way to offset the cost of maintaining critical social programs. They also note that Democrats have been pushing for an extension of unemployment benefits and other safety net programs that are set to expire at the end of the year.

On the Republican side, the hosts note that the party has largely been opposed to any new taxes, arguing that they would stifle economic growth and job creation. They also point out that many Republicans are pushing for significant cuts to both Social Security and Medicare, two entitlement programs that are arguably among the most popular in the country.

Throughout the episode, the hosts interview a number of experts and lawmakers from both parties to get their perspectives on the fiscal cliff negotiations. Some of the highlights include an interview with Senator John McCain, who argues that the problem with Congress is that too many lawmakers are focused on sticking to their party's talking points rather than working together to find a compromise that benefits the entire country.

The hosts also speak with a number of economists, many of whom express concern that if Congress fails to reach an agreement on the fiscal cliff, it could trigger another economic recession. They point out that the uncertainty surrounding the negotiations is already causing businesses to hold back on investments and hiring, and that further inaction could lead to even more economic pain for everyday Americans.

Overall, Dems, GOP Still Tussling Over Fiscal Cliff is a sobering look at the state of American politics today. Although both parties claim to be working for the good of the country, Seib & Wessel paint a picture of a political system that is broken and in desperate need of reform. Whether lawmakers will be able to put aside their partisan differences and find a solution to the fiscal cliff remains to be seen, but this episode makes it clear that the stakes are incredibly high.