can you put into perspective how realistic this is? >> i think it is a realistic next step. remember we've already done close to $1 trillion in deficit reduction during the debt ceiling agreement. so we've gotten $1 trillion of discretionary domestic spending savings. it's time now to move on the revenues. quite frankly, i think the easiest next step, i would hope this could happen as early as this week, is to pass the continuation of the lower tax rates for those under $250,000 of taxable income. get that done. everyone agrees on it. it helps the holiday season. it gives confidence. we know we have to get beyond that. we know we also have to get to the spending areas. we have to get to the automatic across the board cuts. but at least let's make progress where we're all together on extending the relief to those under $250,000. >> how flexible are the democrats on that income level for the tax increases? i'm reminded of tim kaine who ran successfully for senate from the battle ground state of