George Stephanopoulos asks a great question while interviewing Timothy Geithner today:

Stephanopoulos: How firm is the President’s commitment to this proposal? If, for example, the Congress passes an extension of the tax cuts for the wealthy, will the President veto it?

Geithner: Again, what the President believes is the best strategy for the country is to extend the tax cuts that go to more than 95 percent of Americans, more than 95 percent of small business. Keep taxes on capital income low going to moderate. Give people the certainty that’s going to be the world they’re going to live in. But to do that responsibly, we let those tax cuts for the highest earning Americans expire as scheduled, as they were predicted to do. And I think that’s the better strategy.

Stephanopoulos: I know that’s what the President believes is a better strategy. What I’m asking is, is he going to veto– any bill that extends those tax cuts for the wealthiest—

Geithner: He believes this is what makes sense. It’s what I believe.  And we’re going to make the case for that. I think it’s– and I think it’s the best strategy. And I think that we’ll get support for this. Again, it’s a sensible, practical–

Stephanopoulos: I know you think it’s the best strategy. But I talked to some of the President’s supporters who agree with him on Capitol Hill. And they say unless the President comes out firmly and strongly and makes that veto threat, we can’t hold back—

Geithner: President’s going to be firm and strong because he believes this is the best package. Now, of course, Congress—

Stephanopoulos: But no veto—

Geithner: No, I’m not saying that.  ‘m just saying that we’re going to do everything we can to maximize the odds as the way we come out because we believe strongly it’s the right thing for the country. Now, of course, Congress is Congress. They’re going to have to legislate. And you’re going to see– see people with lots of ideas. But you’ve seen Republicans now say the responsible thing for the country is to let those tax cuts expire. And I think that– that demonstrates the fact that if you look at the practical reality of what the country needs now, it’s that balance of tax cuts for the middle class, tax cuts for businesses.  That’s the best strategy—

A vast majority of this country opposes the tax cuts. A vast majority of this country also believes that Washington doesn’t listen to them. So why doesn’t President Obama take a winning stance here? Hold a prime time presser and during it declare that if the Bush tax cuts for the top 2% is extended that he will veto it. Explain that these tax cuts hurt the deficit more than anything the Democrats have done in Congress. Look like the fiscally responsible party in Washington and paint the GOP as the reckless bunch of panderers they are.

This is a good presidential moment, and I would really hate to see President Obama let it slip away.