RNC: This Week in Change V

INCOME TAXES

This Week, Obama Recently Said That A Family Making Less Than $250,000 Would Not See Higher Taxes Under His Plan:

Obama: "So let me just be absolutely clear: If you are a family making $250,000 a year or less -- $250,000 a year or less -- we will not raise your taxes. ... Not your income tax, not your payroll tax, not your capital gains tax. Not any tax."( Anne E. Kornblut , "Obama Tells Voters His Views Have Not Changed," The Washington Post's "The Trail" Blog, blog.washingtonpost.com, 7/8/08)

But Earlier This Year, Obama Voted In Favor Of The Democrats' FY 2009 Budget, Which Would Raise Tax Rates For Americans Earning $32,000 Or More:

Obama Voted Twice In Favor Of The Democrats' FY 2009 Budget Resolution. (S. Con. Res. 70, CQ Vote #85: Adopted 51-44: R 2-43; D 47-1; I 2-0, 3/14/08, Obama Voted Yea; S. Con. Res. 70, CQ Vote #142: Adopted 48- 45: R 2- 44; D 44- 1; I 2-0, 6/4/08, Obama Voted Yea)

The Democrats' Budget Would Raise Taxes On Individuals Earning $32,000 Or More. "Under both Democratic plans, tax rates would increase by 3 percentage points for each of the 25 percent, 28 percent and 33 percent brackets. At present, the 25 percent bracket begins at $31,850 for individuals and $63,700 for married couples. The 35 percent bracket on incomes over $349,700 would jump to 39.6 percent." ( Andrew Taylor , "Presidential Hopefuls To Vote On Budget," The Associated Press, 3/13/08)

Obama Even Backtracked On The Importance Of These Votes:

On Monday, Obama Downplayed His Vote To Raise Taxes On Working Americans. Obama: "The budget resolutions are not tax votes. They are, and everyone in Washington knows this, the budget process screwy as it is in Washington , not one that by the way I designed, and frankly I think has to be fundamentally reformed. The budget resolution is to give some parameters in terms of what in fact, what the budget is going to look like in the upcoming year, but it does not purport to actually be a tax bill and every observer who looks at this has said that this is a phony issue on the part of the McCain campaign." (Sen. Barack Obama , Media Availability, St. Louis, MO , 7/7/08)

Click Here To View: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zmi9xWe_rSg

But In June 2008 , Obama Said "The Senate Voted To Stand Up For Working Families In Illinois And Throughout The Nation" By Passing The Democrats' Final Budget Resolution. Obama: "Today the Senate voted to stand up for working families in Illinois and throughout the nation by rejecting the failed policies of the Bush Administration and moving our country back on track to fiscal discipline. ... Our country needs change, and this budget is an important step in the right direction. I commend House and Senate leaders for working together to move this legislation through Congress."(Sen. Barack Obama , "Statement Of Senator Barack Obama On The Senate's Passage Of The FY 2009 Budget Resolution," Press Release, obama.senate.gov, 6/4/08)

-- And In March 2008 , Obama Hailed His Vote For The Budget As Making "Significant Progress In Getting Our Nation's Priorities Back On Track." Obama: "The budget passed by the Senate tonight makes significant progress in getting our nation's priorities back on track.... We need change in this country, and this budget is an important step in helping bring it about." (Sen. Barack Obama , "Obama Statement On The Senate's Passage Of The FY 2009 Budget," Press Release, obama.senate.gov,3/14/08)

NEGATIVE ADVERTISING

On Tuesday, Barack Obama Launched The First Negative Ad In The General Election By Either Campaign:

Time's "The Page" Blog Headline: "Obama Attacks McCain On Gas Prices In New TV Spot"( Mark Halperin , "Obama Attacks McCain On Gas Prices In New TV Spot," Time's "The Page" Blog, thepage.time.com, 7/8/08)

But In April: Obama Pledged He's "Not Going To Go Around Doing Negative Ads":