Rick Perry's campaign seems to be free falling. His speaking skills for one seem to have caught some attention - who didn't chuckle during the September 22nd GOP debate? For those who don't remember, here's a refresher:
Well played Rick, well played indeed. One CNN reporter went so far as to state that Rick Perry should use a script. However, with that behind him and the campaigns progressing, he then came under fire for lacking a plan, and then again for reviving the "Obama birtherism" controversy.
Now, what seems to be under the shadow of Herman Cain's "9-9-9" plan comes Perry's 'Flat Tax' reform. His reform calls for one tax rate, that is proposed as a replacement for the income tax. This would include exemption based on family size, much like today's deduction. However, no matter how you slice the pie, more than 95% of the highest-income households would pay a lower tax bill. As for the middle-man, it's not as a clear cut as it's proposed. More than half of the households making $20,000 to $75,000 would see a tax increase (assuming the Bush tax cuts expire).
In 1996, Steve Forbes unveiled a relatively pure flat tax, with a frenzy of conservatives supporting the idea, regarding it as being simple and fair. It became the centerpiece of his Republican campaign for presidential nomination. Nonetheless, other Republican candidates quickly exposed its flaws and all - as a flat tax would mean hacking revenues, raising middle-class taxes or both.
Rick Perry's plan has caught the attention of many. It offers the appeal that many would see a cut, and has effectively divided many of Cain's "9-9-9" supporters. However, nothing regarding a tax plan is ever cut-and-dry, as many question if a tax reform is what the U.S really needs. Whatever the case, Perry has caught the eyes of many, and with a well developed plan and strong footing, his campaign may just take a turn for the better.
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