200,000 for individuals. federal tax rates for the wealthiest 2% of americans would return to pre2001 levels. >> the president will argue tomorrow that we should extend those middle class tax cuts as in not doing so, would most assuredly, hurt our economy. but, again, i think if you're making $250,000 or $400,000 or $800,000 in this economy, you're not putting off the purchase of -- there is not a great crush on -- or pullback in your consumer demand. this economy is not hurting people to make $800,000 a year. it's hurting families that are making $40,000 a year. >> this approach puts the president at odds with peter orszag who wrote in his debut column for "the new york times," quote.