>>Of course, especially because Obama never lies about anything. Give me a break.

I don't give your interpretation any credence at all. I do agree that there's an issue of tax increases landing on small businesspeople. IMHO that's a seriously bad idea for the economy and for his chances, especially if larger firms continue to guzzle corporate welfare or move money about to avoid tax. Recent surveys again indicate that the concerns for small business are healthcare first followed by taxation and government red tape. Those are the buttons to push.

>>Uhhm. Because he is a socialist.

A true cynical socialist would target the 1% because their vote only amounts to ... 1%. That would also force his opponents to declare their allegiance against the rest of the electorate. The most likely outcome is that increased approval from other sectors would more than make up for losing any remaining rich votes. Ask yourself why he would instead go for a tax that lands on small business and alienates a sector that he needs to win over.

Serious question: have you ever faced a negotiating tactic in which the other side proposes something truly awful so that when they eventually propose what they really want, you're relieved and agree to it? If you think Obama is a cynical socialist, maybe that's the plan for small business. Or maybe Obama was just delivering a heartfelt explanation and detractors pounced on it.

>>I agree that it is left field - but, then again, so is Obama. Er - I meant left wing. Sorry. I look more at the man's actions than his words becuase they speak much more loudly about his true agenda. His actions tell me that he is not interested in nurturing business - small or otherwise.

Marcia, you're smart, so why the interest in this left wing/right wing stuff? Seems to me it encourages factionalism and fixed positions rather than consideration of issues. As for actions: I agree that taxation policy that lands on small business is a bad idea. So lets see what happens about that.