Tim Kaine Lobbies for 'Minimum Tax Level,' George Allen Stays Firmly on the Fence

The Senate debate in Virginia on Thursday saw Democrat Tim Kaine, the former chairman of the DNC criticized Presidential nominee Mitt Romney for saying in the leaked videos that low-income people were "victims" and had no personal responsibility. He said that he would be willing to consider what he called a "minimum tax level," but that has some American voters wondering just what he means.

Kaine was opposed in the debate by Republican George Allen, and he went to town condemning him for not being harder on Romney for his poor taste comments. "I don't think the question of whether you agree with governor Romney's comments is hard. I think it is very straightforward," Kaine said.

David Gregory, moderator of the debate, asked Kaine if he believed that everyone in the state should pay something in federal taxes. Tim Kaine replied that everyone does pay taxes of some sort, but that he would be open to a proposal that would have a minimum tax level. "But I do insist," he said, "many of the 47 percent that Gov. Romney was going after pay a higher percentage of their income in taxes than he does." The man certainly has a point.

When GOP Senate candidate George Allen was asked after the debate if he agreed with Romney's comments about the 47 percent, he chickened out and simply said, "I have my own point of view." Why is it that the Republicans feel that they have to agree with Romney on every blunder he makes. What are they afraid of if they actually say what is on their minds?

"My point of view is the people of America still believe in the American dream," Allen said, going on to call on public servants to make sure that "everyone has that equal opportunity to compete and pursue their dreams." This is complete nonsense, and is such a broad general statement that no one could possibly disagree with it. The question is, how does Allen think that allowing everyone this "equal opportunity" can be achieved.

The closest that Allen came was when he said, "My view is the best social program is a job."

Gabriel Legend covers a wide range of breaking news for Gather. He writes fiction as well, with his first novel coming out in 2013. You can follow on Twitter at @GabrielLegend1 or contact him directly here.

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