In 1981 despite falling approval ratings and the start of a recession Ronald Reagan went on television to explain why his tax cuts should be passed - He lays out in basic terms his goals - he is talking directly to the American People
Here is excerpts of the speech - Now you may not agree with the policy but the politics is masterful.
What this clip doesn't show is Reagan also appealed directly to the voters to call their representatives and demand they pass this legislation What happen next? Citizens all around the country inundated their congressman and senators with phone calls to pass this legislation. As you could see by the Health Care debate this summer, angry active citizens can have a real effect on what a politician will do.
One month later Reagan was signing this Tax Bill into law.
Obama now has an opportunity to speak directly to people about the upcoming tax fight.
He should use the Bully Pulpit and explain to the American people why raising incomes on the rich needs to happen , Why it is fair why it is necessary.
Obama should explain the concept of EFFECTIVE tax rates . When Republicans talk about high taxes they only refer to income taxes but if you take ALL taxes into account the wealthy pay a lower percentage then everyone else.
Here is a chart from 2003 before the second BUSH tax cut which lowered the wealthy taxes even more -
As you can see the idea that the Rich pay more taxes is a complete MYTH
(Warren Buffett just said this very thing before the election)
And this is is something 59% of American people support
Obama has a chance to save his Presidency if he starts to use the Bully Pulpit to take control of the message.
UPDATE - While many on the thread suggest that Obama can't get MSM to cover his weekly chats . He is the President and can ask for Prime Time to discuss this matter directly with the American People. Which is something he should definitely do before he starts to compromise with Republicans on tax cuts for the wealthy