McCain Jumps on Another Biden Interview for Hit on Taxes

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McCain Jumps on Another Biden Interview for Hit on Taxes

October 28, 2008 2:30 PM

ABC News' Matthew Jaffe reports: Sen. Joe Biden, D-Del., might be sticking to script on the stump, but his satellite interviews are giving Republican presidential candidate John McCain plenty to talk about.

On Monday, the Republican campaign criticized Biden's contentious exchange last week with Orlando’s WFTV anchor Barbara West. In Pottsville, Pa. yesterday, McCain called Obama's running mate "the gift that keeps on giving".

Now Tuesday, the GOP is going after another Biden interview, this one with Scranton's WNEP.

"Under the old tax policy that was put in by George Bush, people making an average $1.4 million a year, good people, decent people, patriotic, they're going to get an $87 billion tax break," Biden said to WNEP Monday. "What we're saying is that $87 billion tax break doesn't need to go to people making an average of $1.4 million, it should go like it used to – it should go to middle-class people, people making under $150,000 a year."

Cue the McCain campaign, who wasted little time jumping all over Biden's comments, with the GOP nominee, in Hershey, PA, Tuesday morning, hitting out at Biden's remarks.

"Senator Obama has made a lot of promises," McCain said, per ABC News' Bret Hovell. "First, he said people making less than $250,000 would benefit from his plan, then this weekend he announced in an ad that if you're a family making less than $200,000 you'll benefit. But yesterday, right here in Pennsylvania, Senator Biden said tax relief should only go to "middle class people, people making under $150,000 a year"."

"You getting an idea of what's on their mind, a little sneak peak, eh?" he continued. "It's interesting how their definition of rich has a way of creeping down. At this rate, it won't be long before Senator Obama is right back to his vote that Americans making just $42,000 a year should get a tax increase. We can't let that happen. We won't let that happen."

But the Democrats' tax plan would cut taxes for people earning under $200,000 while anyone making between $200,000-250,000 would not see their taxes increase.

The Biden campaign was quick to characterize the McCain camp's attacks as "desperate".

"spokesman David Wade said in a statement. "We have a big choice in this election between tax relief for the middle class or more of the same Bush tax giveaways for Exxon Mobil and the most wealthy corporations. As Senator Obama and Senator Biden have always said, under their plan no family making less than $250,000 will see their taxes increase one cent. And if your family makes less than $200,000 – as 95 percent of workers and their families do – you’ll get a tax cut."

"Maybe the McCain campaign keeps lying about Obama's tax plan because with seven days left in this election," Wade continued, "Voters are rejecting McCain's plan to give billions more in tax giveaways to big corporations and the wealthiest Americans – but nothing to more than 100 million middle-class families."

October 28, 2008 in Biden, Joe, McCain, John | Permalink | User Comments (198)

User Comments

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What else is new Biden/Obama never get called to the carpet.Can someone tell me what either has done for the middle class in there careers??

Posted by: reddog0216 | Oct 28, 2008 2:54:37 PM

This was Not a Gaffe!
Obama and Biden are playing
Fast and Loose with the Facts!
Which is it $250,000, $200,000 or
$150,000?
These two Cannot be Trusted!
McCain/Palin 08!

Posted by: reaganfan | Oct 28, 2008 2:54:57 PM

Great...
All the USA needs now with all its problems ...is a monkey and a moron in the white house

Posted by: susan | Oct 28, 2008 2:55:39 PM

I am shocked ABC news gives this any time at all - but it's good to see a few pieces of the real Obama/Biden administration - quabble quabble quabble spin spin spin that's not what I meant to say... devil's in the details... the only "accurate" information as far as they're concerned is what they put in "released (prepared/censored) statements." Hmmm... sounds like propaganda to me. And, oh how bad, racist, ignorant we are to call them on it. How dare we question.......

Posted by: hummingbird | Oct 28, 2008 2:56:13 PM

I work for a company that our parent head quarters is oversees. I work in the accounting dept now so I know what our taxes are.

Posted by: Angie | Oct 28, 2008 2:48:19 PM
===

Zero understood this problem this way: These American companies moved to Communist and Socialist countries like China and Vietnam. So, socialism must be doing something right since capitalism has failed American companies. Therefore, we should practice socialism, from each according to his ability to each according to his need, so that we will be competitive against China economically. As a New, Changed 0bama Socialist America, it will be so attractive with low-cost labors and cheap materials, all those evil, profit-driven companies will be coming back to the US again. See, he will create jobs by spreading wealth.

Posted by: d0 | Oct 28, 2008 2:57:13 PM

I think rather than listen to Obama or McCain we need to be listening to what Pelosi, Reid, Frank (especially Frank, he has a big mouth) and all have to say...after all, they will be over riding everyone with their super majority.

Posted by: samhiguchi | Oct 28, 2008 2:54:03 PM
Barney frank is out of control now could you imanginewith no one to stop him

Posted by: reddog0216 | Oct 28, 2008 2:57:17 PM

It's lovely to come to this board and see the desperation spinning out of control for the repugs. Not much to get excited about in your own candidates these days? I know...it sucks! Oh well, at least you have the bashing boards here at ABC....have fun!

Posted by: Dee | Oct 28, 2008 2:59:31 PM

Paul - Biden was the one not paying attention - nor are you it would seem - the whole point was calling them on the differing statements... wow

Posted by: hummingbird | Oct 28, 2008 3:00:52 PM

I have been saying this all along and MBNA Joe finally let it slip through the cracks. There is simply not enough money for Obama to deliver on his promises. So this magical $250K will go down...way down. A college educated couple can easliy make $150K jointly. And that couple will get slammed by Obama because they will be considered "Rich" and his desire to spread the wealth around will come out of their hides. And don't think for a second that Obama, Reid, Kennedy, Biden and Pelosi will be paying more! Heck NOOOO! Those millionaires will still have access to the tax free and foreign financial instruments that people (like us)earning less than $250 don't have access too.

Posted by: MBNA Joe | Oct 28, 2008 3:02:32 PM

reddog0216: "what have you guys ever done for the middle class you or Obama please someone enlighten me"

The bill Obama wrote and eventually got signed into law (after initial objections from a majority of the IL Senate and a veto promise) to have all interrogations and confessions in serious crimes be video taped didn't help just the middle class, but everyone in IL. Innocent people are far less likely to get railroaded, juries have a great record of incrimination statements in interrogations, and when policed did get a confession it was iron-clad with a big bow. That's a win-win, smart law that was written by Obama and, through good legislative work, eventually won wide support and made law.

Now your turn, what has McCain ever done for the middle class in his over 26 YEARS in the federal senate? I'm from Seattle and can say that the "Senator from Airbus" is not too popular with most of the middle class in that town.

Posted by: jhw539 | Oct 28, 2008 3:02:56 PM

Obama Biden Tax Plan does give anyone below $250,000 a break and their plan is better than John McCain's.

John McCain is giving the rich 10% break while only giving below $250,000 only approx 3.5%

Go to Tax Policy Center the expert nonpartisan site. All reference this site.

People Republicans have always given more to the rich and corporations. That is their whole philosophy. What this stance has done is pushed other groups even further down.

Barack Obama's plan is actually quite good and is not higher than it was. Please read it all before listening to either candidate.

Posted by: Sharonklim | Oct 28, 2008 3:03:03 PM

Yeah, John, keep on beating that tax drum, your tax cuts are going to stimulate the economy about as much as Dubya's did...

Posted by: Blindhowlin | Oct 28, 2008 3:05:16 PM

Paul - Biden was the one not paying attention - nor are you it would seem - the whole point was calling them on the differing statements... wow

Posted by: hummingbird | Oct 28, 2008 3:00:52 PM
----

Why the hell it matters. $250K, $200K, $150K, or $43K, what the heck is the difference. They are all above minimum wage. They are all rich. They all should pay increased taxes to spread their wealth.

0bama has seen how difficult they are, those poor, less-educated street fighters in the southside.

Posted by: d0 | Oct 28, 2008 3:05:17 PM

It's lovely to come to this board and see the out of work losers and college punks furiously posting for the Messiah.

McCain is a tough, battle worn SOB....you guys are in for a suprise on Nov 5th!

Posted by: MBNA Joe | Oct 28, 2008 3:05:20 PM

MBNA Joe: "There is simply not enough money for Obama to deliver on his promises. "

Where's the money for McCain to deliver on his promises of taxcuts for everyone? All analysis indicate McCain is blasting a much bigger hole in the budget than Obama's entire wish list combined. There is a reason that even President Bush saw extending his tax slashing indefinitely was impossible (and McCain agreed wholeheartedly - before he flip-flopped to pander for votes).

Posted by: jhw539 | Oct 28, 2008 3:05:32 PM

McCain = DESPERATE

Posted by: Howard Gallas | Oct 28, 2008 3:06:23 PM

stands for DOUCHE BAG

anyway, people under 150k get money back
250k have zero increase in taxes

and those above will have an increase starting at 121 bucks

you can check it all out on msnbc

Posted by: Bhrandon | Oct 28, 2008 3:06:25 PM

It's lovely to come to this board and see the out of work losers and college punks furiously posting for the Messiah.

McCain is a tough, battle worn SOB....you guys are in for a suprise on Nov 5th!
___________________________________

Stay Classy......

Posted by: Paige | Oct 28, 2008 3:07:54 PM

Bhrandon,

Why do you keep eying to get money back from 0bama? Why cannot you have some higher spirits, the call of duty, asking not what your country can do for you. 0bama will need money, a lot of it, to do the common good for a Changed America. Don't you think you should contribute more, a lot more, to propagate his cause? You are supporting him after all, ain't you?

Posted by: d0 | Oct 28, 2008 3:10:32 PM

Same McCain, different lie.. if you can't defend your position, slander your opponent and hope that it sticks to the more ignorant.

Can't win on taxes
Can't win on economy
Can't win on energy
Can't win on health care
Can't win on foreign policy
Can't win on intelligence
Can't win buying the wealthy
Can't win buying the large corporates
Can't win on slander

The world supports Obama for a reason
Some just refuse to see it

Posted by: Concerned American | Oct 28, 2008 3:11:04 PM

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