The question is not what he will propose, but what he will VETO. If Rangel and Baucus propose something a bit more progressive - or even much more progressive - including letting the 31% tax rate reset upon the expiration of the Bush cuts, there is really not much Obama can do about it short of vetoing the final bill. If the TPC, Urban and Brookings feel really strongly about this then it may be necessary to step up efforts - including looking around for someone who is proposing a higher rate and providing them the information they need to justify it. If its really important to you, you can find a 501(c)(4) to advocate for a more balanced budget. Will this be considered an electoral issue? Where is Ross Perot when we need him? As the news gets worse, I am sure someone will turn up - which will force Obama to either moderate his position or dig in his heals. Hopefully he will do the former rather than the latter. If he does the latter, it could have serious consequences for the unity of the Democratic Party, especially if the GOP continues to feed on itself. A fiscally responsible yet left libertarian movement may yet arise in this country.