Obama's Deal to Extend High-Earner Tax Cuts Unpopular in Poll  —  Americans don't approve of keeping the breaks for upper-income taxpayers that are part of the deal President Barack Obama brokered with congressional Republicans, a Bloomberg National Poll shows.

Answering the Charge of “What's Plan B” for Tax Cut Deal  —  So, Steve Benen poses a serious question, and I'd like to give an answer.  Maybe it's a moot point with the deal going down in flames, but nevertheless. … Certainly, there are those on the Hill who think “fight harder” …

LOOKING FOR PLAN B.... The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities' Bob Greenstein, who has as much liberal credibility on budget and tax issues as anyone, doesn't seem to like the “disturbing negative” provisions of the tax policy deal struck by the White House and congressional Republicans.

Four Ways To Make The Tax Deal Better.  —  Tax deal apologist that I am, it behooves me to offer some constructive criticism, too, along with a reminder that this deal isn't final until the legislative process makes it so: Congressional Democrats, unable to unify around an original proposal, may try and adapt this framework.

In Tax Plan, a Boost for Jobs  —  A year ago, President Obama and the Democrats made the mistake of assuming that an economic recovery was under way.  This week's deal to extend the Bush tax cuts shows that the White House's top priority is avoiding the same mistake again — even if it has to upset many fellow Democrats in the process.

COLLINS POSITIONED TO KILL DADT REPEAL.... We talked earlier Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid's (D-Nev.) surprise move this morning: he's getting started tonight on the defense authorization act, which includes a provision on repealing “Don't Ask, Don't Tell.”

Pass the Caribou Stew  —  The doomed caribou gazed calmly across the Alaska tundra at Caribou Barbie.  —  The female caribou could easily have escaped, since it took the Wasilla huntress six shots, two rifles and some help from her dad to bag her prey.  (Giving credence to Levi Johnston's contention …