White House Caves, Will Extend Bush Tax Cuts

But Axelrod says Obama will veto any health care threat
By Rob Quinn,  Newser Staff
Posted Nov 11, 2010 2:01 AM CST
Updated Nov 11, 2010 7:50 AM CST
Health Care Repeal Will Be Vetoed: David Axelrod
"We are firm in our commitment, we are willing to work with people to improve this plan we are not going to stand for those who want to undermine it and destroy it," Axelrod said.   (AP Photo/NBC, William B. Plowman)

Any Republican attempt to repeal health care reform legislation won't make it past President Obama's veto pen, top adviser David Axelrod tells the Huffington Post. The president is willing to give ground in other areas and is prepared to accept an across-the-board continuation of Bush-era tax cuts even for the wealthiest taxpayers, according to Axelrod. "We have to deal with the world as we find it—the world of what it takes to get this done," he said.

He indicated it was the only way that middle-class taxpayers would be able to maintain their cuts. Axelrod says the administration is willing to work with politicians willing to improve health care legislation but not with those intent on destroying it. He says the president has called every Republican senator-elect and many of the incoming House lawmakers—more than 100 calls in all. Axelrod, a former political reporter, says the Tea Party movement marks a "fascinating time in our history." He believes Obama may be able to work with the movement on issues like ending earmarks and withdrawal from Afghanistan. (More President Obama stories.)

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