As early primary elections start drawing closer, many candidates are hitting the campaign trail at a frenetic pace and sharing their opinions with the groups to which they address. As several Democratic primary hopefuls addressed an AARP groups on benefits for the elderly, Illinois Senator Barack Obama shared his views on what some interpret as an attempt to be like Robin Hood.
Instead of aristocrats in Sherwood Forest, Obama would steal back tax credits given to corporations and certain “rich” individuals who have pushed for and received credits on income taxes and investment taxes. While providing reductions in tax obligations for the working poor and many elderly, depending on their income, he plans to pay for the extra credits and deductions, by taxing those who apparently can afford it.
Capital gains and dividend taxes have been rolled back by the current administration and Obama originally said by restoring the old numbers he could raise enough money to pay for a national health care plan. With this new offer to reduce taxes on the lower income workers, his staff says they have found enough money elsewhere to pay for health care and by reducing, or eliminating the tax credits, he can pay for the additional low-income tax credits.
Obama claims that by rescinding tax breaks to interests with money, he could recoup about $80 billion to the treasury to pay for healthcare as well as tax relief for those, in his opinion, really need and deserve it. His opinions may not appeal to many wealthy election contributors, they are resounding with low-income voters. His current standing in the USA Today/Gallup polls on www.usaelectionpolls.com is a rating of 19%.
