We begin with the way Anderson does every night Keeping Them Honest, not just taking sides, not just seeking the truth. That we want all of the above. Tonight, that talks to diffuse the year-end budget bomb and the difference between Washington progress and real progress. Americans say they want real progress and real give and take to get there. Let’s listen to this, 72% in our grand new CNN/ORC poll say they want President Obama to compromise with Republicans on taxes and spending. An identical 72% want Republicans to do the same, compromise with the other side. As for what compromise should entail, 67% more than two in three, favor a mix of spending cuts and tax increases. That’s what they say real progress would look like. Keeping Them Honest, though, real progress is one thing. Washington progress is another. So far at least we are seeing much more of the second than the first, and we’re getting late new word that any progress might be stalled. More on that shortly. First, a good example of Washington progress. Republican lawmakers standing up in a limited way to a Beltway power broker named Grover Norquist over the 1980s era pledge he pressures them to sign promising not to raise taxes, any taxes ever. 

 

“I’m not obligated on the pledge. I made Tennesseans aware, I was just elected, that the only thing I’m monitoring is the oath that I take when I serve when I’m sworn in this January.”

 

That’s Senator Bob Corker, one of a handful of Republican lawmakers repudiating the pledge. He will join us shortly. I will ask him to be more specific about whether that means higher tax rates for high incomes are on the table, something President Obama campaign and won reelection on. Senator Lindsey Graham also breaking with Norquist says no on higher tax rates, but is open to more tax revenue by limiting deductions. 

 

“I ‘m willing to generate revenue. It’s fair to ask my party to put revenue on the table. We’re below historian averages. I will not raise tax rates to do it. I will cap deductions.”

Another lawmaker who is breaking with Norquist agrees.

“I think everything should be on the table. I myself am imposed on tax increases. I’m not going to prejudge it, and I’m just saying we should not be taking ironclad positions.”

 

And late today in The Situation Room, Republican Kevin McCarthy, the House majority whip, put a fresh spin on what seems to be the talking points. 

 

“If the goal is to raise more revenue, what is the best way to do that at the same time protecting the economy? So if you’re able to gain more revenue by closing special loopholes and limiting them and keeping the rate down so you have better job growth, isn’t that a better outcome? “

 

Once again, talk of tax deductions and closing loopholes, but a big note of raising tax rates, so a lot of talk but perhaps not much real movement at least for now. As for Grover Norquist, he told CNN’s Soledad O’Brien today that although some Republicans are in his words discussing impure thoughts on television, they won’t really act on them. 

 

“I have had long conversations with Lindsey Graham. And he says I would raise taxes if and then he lists this incredible list of reforms and entitlements that the Democrats would never give him. And as I suggested to him, I said, Senator you are offering to trade a tax increase for a pink unicorn that doesn’t exist.”