Clinton: GOP opposition to soften in election year


WASHINGTON (AP) ? Former President Bill Clinton is dismissing Republican criticism of President Barack Obama’s proposal to raise taxes on the wealthy. Clinton says the GOP argument that Obama’s proposal will kill jobs is “what they always say.”

Clinton told NBC’s “Today” show Monday he believes the opposition will soften in the upcoming election year, just as it did when he was president. In 1995, his clash with Republicans led to two government shutdowns, but the next year, as elections were gearing up, he enjoyed greater cooperation.

Republican leaders already are lining up against Obama’s proposals to end Bush-era tax cuts and to increase taxes on the nation’s wealthiest people.

But Clinton says such arguments are an insult to wealthy Americans, including many who don’t mind paying more.