Toggle Menu

Why Top Republicans Are Bailing on the Norquist Pledge

Over time, Americans have become more open to tax increases.

Chris Hayes

December 5, 2012

It turns out a deal with Grover Norquist isn’t exactly set in stone. During the past couple weeks, several top Republicans said they’d bail on the lobbyist's anti-tax pledge if it meant averting the so-called “fiscal cliff.” On Sunday's Up, Chris Hayes said the death of the “Norquist consensus” reflects the country's shift of opinion on taxes—as Americans, in general, pay their lowest rate since the ’80s. But Hayes says ending tax breaks for the richest Americans is only the first step to a more prosperous society. Eventually, he says, everyone should have to give more in exchange for better social programs.

Steven Hsieh

Lee Fang reports that just two billionaire-backed non-profits make up 66 percent of Grover Norquist's budget.

Chris HayesTwitterChris Hayes is the Editor-at-Large of The Nation and host of “All In with Chris Hayes” on MSNBC.


Latest from the nation