# Fiscal Cliff on The No Agenda Show

Fiscal Cliff comes up in 22 chapters across 17 episodes of The No Agenda Show, from April 2012 to January 2013.

- **Chapters:** 22
- **Episodes:** 17
- **Discussed:** April 2012 – January 2013
- **Related topics:** [Alternative Minimum Tax](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/alternative-minimum-tax.md), [Barack Obama](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/barack-obama.md), [Federal Reserve](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/federal-reserve.md), [National Debt](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/national-debt.md), [Amt](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/amt.md), [Austerity](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/austerity.md), [Bush Tax Cuts](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/bush-tax-cuts.md), [C-span](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/c-span.md), [Congress](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/congress.md), [Michelle Obama](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/michelle-obama.md)

## Chapters 1–20 of 22

### Payroll Tax Increase, Obama Afghanistan Update

- **Episode:** [478: Cranks and Firebrands](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/478-cranks-and-firebrands.md)
- **Published:** 2013-01-13
- **Time:** 1:05:02–1:06:44
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/478-cranks-and-firebrands/chapter/payroll-tax-increase-obama-afghanistan-update.md

American employees are seeing a 2% increase in payroll taxes following the expiration of a temporary tax cut. Meanwhile, President Obama met with Afghan President Hamid Karzai to discuss the withdrawal of troops. The hosts criticize the President's rhetorical style in his weekly YouTube address, specifically his phrasing regarding ending the war.

Keywords: [payroll tax](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/payroll-tax.md), [barack obama](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/barack-obama.md), [hamid karzai](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/hamid-karzai.md), [afghanistan](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/afghanistan.md), [fiscal cliff](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/fiscal-cliff.md)

### Fiscal Cliff Legislation, C-SPAN Coverage

- **Episode:** [475: Tsunami Bomb](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/475-tsunami-bomb.md)
- **Published:** 2013-01-03
- **Time:** 25:40–28:39
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/475-tsunami-bomb/chapter/fiscal-cliff-legislation-c-span-coverage.md

The passage of the fiscal cliff deal is described as a "fudged" agreement reached in the early morning hours. The legislation is criticized for failing to address the long-term debt ceiling and budget deficit issues facing the United States.

Keywords: [fiscal cliff](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/fiscal-cliff.md), [c-span](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/c-span.md), [congress](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/congress.md), [debt ceiling](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/debt-ceiling.md), [budget deficit](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/budget-deficit.md)

### Ron Paul on the Fiscal Cliff and Spending

- **Episode:** [474: Mongolian Hat](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/474-mongolian-hat.md)
- **Published:** 2012-12-30
- **Time:** 1:07:25–1:11:08
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/474-mongolian-hat/chapter/ron-paul-on-the-fiscal-cliff-and-spending.md

The hosts play a clip of Ron Paul on CNBC discussing the "fiscal cliff." Paul argues that neither party is serious about cutting spending, describing the government as "drug addicts" looking for another fix of debt and Federal Reserve intervention.

Keywords: [ron paul](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ron-paul.md), [fiscal cliff](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/fiscal-cliff.md), [cnbc](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cnbc.md), [spending cuts](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/spending-cuts.md), [federal reserve](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/federal-reserve.md)

### Michelle Obama, Macaroni and Cheese Holiday Message

- **Episode:** [473: Mac and Cheese](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/473-mac-and-cheese.md)
- **Published:** 2012-12-27
- **Time:** 25:10–26:44
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/473-mac-and-cheese/chapter/michelle-obama-macaroni-and-cheese-holiday-message.md

Michelle Obama discussed serving macaroni and cheese during the holidays, momentarily setting aside her "Let's Move" health initiative. The hosts interpret the emphasis on "mac and cheese" as a subtle message preparing the public for economic hardship following the upcoming fiscal cliff.

Keywords: [michelle obama](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/michelle-obama.md), [let's move](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/let-s-move.md), [mac and cheese](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/mac-and-cheese.md), [fiscal cliff](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/fiscal-cliff.md), holiday food

### Dairy Cliff, Media Distraction Tactics

- **Episode:** [473: Mac and Cheese](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/473-mac-and-cheese.md)
- **Published:** 2012-12-27
- **Time:** 45:05–47:44
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/473-mac-and-cheese/chapter/dairy-cliff-media-distraction-tactics.md

CBS News and other outlets have begun reporting on a "dairy cliff," warning that milk prices could spike to $8 per gallon if the Farm Bill is not addressed. The hosts dismiss this as a manufactured crisis designed to distract the public from the actual fiscal cliff and debt ceiling negotiations.

Keywords: dairy cliff, [milk prices](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/milk-prices.md), [fiscal cliff](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/fiscal-cliff.md), [farm bill](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/farm-bill.md), [media manipulation](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/media-manipulation.md)

### H&R Block, Alternative Minimum Tax Warning

- **Episode:** [473: Mac and Cheese](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/473-mac-and-cheese.md)
- **Published:** 2012-12-27
- **Time:** 47:45–52:51
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/473-mac-and-cheese/chapter/h-r-block-alternative-minimum-tax-warning.md

H&R Block has issued warnings to clients regarding "Taxmageddon" and the expiration of the Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) patch. Without legislative action, approximately 30 million taxpayers could see significant tax increases and delayed refunds, with some middle-income households owing thousands of dollars more for the 2012 tax year.

Keywords: h&r block, [alternative minimum tax](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/alternative-minimum-tax.md), taxmageddon, [fiscal cliff](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/fiscal-cliff.md), [irs](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/irs.md)

### Obama Family Hawaii Vacation, Michelle Obama Past Tense Flub

- **Episode:** [472: Conheads in Mexico](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/472-conheads-in-mexico.md)
- **Published:** 2012-12-23
- **Time:** 27:59–30:41
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/472-conheads-in-mexico/chapter/obama-family-hawaii-vacation-michelle-obama-past-tense-flub.md

President Obama and the First Lady traveled to Hawaii for vacation despite the ongoing "fiscal cliff" negotiations in Washington. In a weekly address, Michelle Obama referred to the White House holiday theme in the past tense, leading to speculation about her frustration with the political situation. The President defended his time off, citing the heavy workload of his first term.

Keywords: [barack obama](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/barack-obama.md), [michelle obama](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/michelle-obama.md), [hawaii](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/hawaii.md), [fiscal cliff](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/fiscal-cliff.md), white house holidays

### Fiscal Cliff Consequences, Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) Impact

- **Episode:** [472: Conheads in Mexico](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/472-conheads-in-mexico.md)
- **Published:** 2012-12-23
- **Time:** 32:18–41:16
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/472-conheads-in-mexico/chapter/fiscal-cliff-consequences-alternative-minimum-tax-amt-impact.md

The "fiscal cliff" poses a significant threat to 30 million Americans due to the scheduled expiration of Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) patches. If no deal is reached, the AMT exemption threshold will drop significantly, potentially adding thousands of dollars to the tax bills of middle-class households. The hosts argue that both political parties are complicit in allowing this "tax bomb" to remain under-discussed.

Keywords: [fiscal cliff](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/fiscal-cliff.md), [alternative minimum tax](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/alternative-minimum-tax.md), [amt](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/amt.md), [tax hikes](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/tax-hikes.md), [internal revenue service](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/internal-revenue-service.md)

### Alternative Minimum Tax, Fiscal Cliff, Tax Planning

- **Episode:** [469: This That and the Other](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/469-this-that-and-the-other.md)
- **Published:** 2012-12-13
- **Time:** 51:13–55:09
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/469-this-that-and-the-other/chapter/alternative-minimum-tax-fiscal-cliff-tax-planning.md

John C. Dvorak warns listeners about the impending impact of the Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) as the U.S. approaches the "fiscal cliff." He explains that many middle-class taxpayers could face unexpected tax bills of $2,000 to $10,000 because the AMT eliminates standard deductions. The hosts criticize the mainstream media for failing to warn the public about this specific financial threat.

Keywords: [amt](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/amt.md), [alternative minimum tax](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/alternative-minimum-tax.md), [fiscal cliff](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/fiscal-cliff.md), [c-span](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/c-span.md), [tax deductions](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/tax-deductions.md)

### Nelson Mandela, Death Prediction, Media Distraction

- **Episode:** [469: This That and the Other](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/469-this-that-and-the-other.md)
- **Published:** 2012-12-13
- **Time:** 2:30:45–2:38:16
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/469-this-that-and-the-other/chapter/nelson-mandela-death-prediction-media-distraction.md

John C. Dvorak predicts that the impending death of 94-year-old Nelson Mandela will be used as a massive media distraction. He suggests that news organizations already have "packages" prepared and that the event will be timed to bury news about the U.S. fiscal cliff or the Alternative Minimum Tax. The hosts speculate he may pass away between Christmas and New Year's.

Keywords: [nelson mandela](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/nelson-mandela.md), [south africa](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/south-africa.md), [cnn](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cnn.md), media packages, [fiscal cliff](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/fiscal-cliff.md)

### Fiscal Cliff, National Debt, and Sean Hannity

- **Episode:** [468: Meat Hands](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/468-meat-hands.md)
- **Published:** 2012-12-09
- **Time:** 19:37–23:40
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/468-meat-hands/chapter/fiscal-cliff-national-debt-and-sean-hannity.md

John C. Dvorak explains the "fiscal cliff" and the impending expiration of tax cuts, including the Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT). They debate the nature of the $16 trillion U.S. national debt, noting that much of it is owed to domestic entitlements and the Federal Reserve rather than foreign powers. A clip of Sean Hannity is played, where the Fox News host argues that going over the cliff is a "noble endeavor" to control deficits.

Keywords: [fiscal cliff](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/fiscal-cliff.md), [national debt](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/national-debt.md), [alternative minimum tax](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/alternative-minimum-tax.md), [federal reserve](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/federal-reserve.md), [sean hannity](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/sean-hannity.md), [fox news](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/fox-news.md)

### Senator Jeff Bingaman and the Fiscal Cliff Hearing

- **Episode:** [468: Meat Hands](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/468-meat-hands.md)
- **Published:** 2012-12-09
- **Time:** 1:09:48–1:13:28
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/468-meat-hands/chapter/senator-jeff-bingaman-and-the-fiscal-cliff-hearing.md

John C. Dvorak plays clips from a Congressional hearing where Senator Jeff Bingaman repeatedly questions economist Kevin Hassett about defaulting on the national debt. Dvorak characterizes the Senator's questioning as "leading the witness," as Hassett consistently denies that defaulting is his position despite the Senator's insistence.

Keywords: jeff bingaman, [kevin hassett](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/kevin-hassett.md), [congress](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/congress.md), [fiscal cliff](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/fiscal-cliff.md), [national debt](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/national-debt.md), [default](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/default.md)

### Fiscal Cliff, Howard Dean on Tax Increases

- **Episode:** [467: Red Washcloth](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/467-red-washcloth.md)
- **Published:** 2012-12-06
- **Time:** 2:01:23–2:03:42
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/467-red-washcloth/chapter/fiscal-cliff-howard-dean-on-tax-increases.md

Howard Dean argues that taxes must be raised across the board, not just for the wealthy, to address the U.S. deficit. The hosts interpret the "fiscal cliff" as a manufactured crisis designed to implement austerity measures while allowing politicians to shift blame for the inevitable tax hikes.

Keywords: [fiscal cliff](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/fiscal-cliff.md), [howard dean](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/howard-dean.md), [taxes](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/taxes.md), [austerity](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/austerity.md), [deficit](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/deficit.md), [middle class](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/middle-class.md)

### Obama Administration, My2k Social Media Campaign

- **Episode:** [466: Give Peas a Chance](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/466-give-peas-a-chance.md)
- **Published:** 2012-12-02
- **Time:** 6:03–9:06
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/466-give-peas-a-chance/chapter/obama-administration-my2k-social-media-campaign.md

President Barack Obama launched a social media campaign using the hashtag #My2k to pressure Congress regarding the fiscal cliff and middle-class tax cuts. The branding is criticized for its phonetic similarity to the Y2K computer glitch, which is characterized here as a historical hoax or scam. The campaign aims to highlight the $2,000 tax increase families might face, but the choice of terminology is mocked as poor messaging by the Curry-Dvorak Consulting Group.

Keywords: [barack obama](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/barack-obama.md), [fiscal cliff](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/fiscal-cliff.md), my2k, [twitter](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/twitter.md), [hashtag](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/hashtag.md), [y2k](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/y2k.md), [messaging](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/messaging.md)

### Fiscal Cliff Jingle, Quebec Corruption, G20 Photo Incident

- **Episode:** [465: Skimp Layer](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/465-skimp-layer.md)
- **Published:** 2012-11-29
- **Time:** 2:05:17–2:08:15
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/465-skimp-layer/chapter/fiscal-cliff-jingle-quebec-corruption-g20-photo-incident.md

Mark Andre Labelle from Montreal contributed to the show, highlighting the political corruption that led to the resignation of mayors in Montreal and Laval. The segment also touches on a humorous "no agenda" story regarding Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper missing a G20 group photo because he was in the restroom. Listeners requested the "Fiscal Cliff" jingle, which features the sound of a man being pushed off a ledge.

Keywords: [fiscal cliff](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/fiscal-cliff.md), [montreal](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/montreal.md), [quebec](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/quebec.md), [stephen harper](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/stephen-harper.md), [g20](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/g20.md)

### Gaza Ceasefire, Domestic Distractions and Hillary Clinton

- **Episode:** [463: Dead Hand of Bureaucracy](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/463-dead-hand-of-bureaucracy.md)
- **Published:** 2012-11-22
- **Time:** 1:12:39–1:14:07
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/463-dead-hand-of-bureaucracy/chapter/gaza-ceasefire-domestic-distractions-and-hillary-clinton.md

The announcement of a ceasefire in Gaza is viewed as a way for Hillary Clinton to exit her role as Secretary of State on a "high note" while distracting from the Benghazi investigation. The hosts argue the conflict served to divert public attention from the "fiscal cliff" and domestic austerity measures in both the U.S. and Israel.

Keywords: [hillary clinton](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/hillary-clinton.md), [gaza ceasefire](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/gaza-ceasefire.md), [benghazi](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/benghazi.md), [fiscal cliff](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/fiscal-cliff.md), [austerity](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/austerity.md)

### Fiscal Cliff, Economic Recession Warnings

- **Episode:** [462: Flaming Groovies](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/462-flaming-groovies.md)
- **Published:** 2012-11-18
- **Time:** 1:59:03–2:07:39
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/462-flaming-groovies/chapter/fiscal-cliff-economic-recession-warnings.md

The hosts analyze the impending "fiscal cliff," involving the expiration of Bush-era tax cuts and the onset of sequestration. They play clips of Erskine Bowles and Alan Simpson explaining the potential for a stock market crash and a return to recession. The segment explores how both political parties might view "going over the cliff" as a tactical advantage.

Keywords: [fiscal cliff](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/fiscal-cliff.md), [bush tax cuts](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/bush-tax-cuts.md), [sequestration](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/sequestration.md), [erskine bowles](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/erskine-bowles.md), alan simpson, [moody's](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/moody-s.md), [recession](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/recession.md)

### Fiscal Cliff, Austin Tech Real Estate

- **Episode:** [459: Exactly Similar](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/459-exactly-similar.md)
- **Published:** 2012-11-08
- **Time:** 1:17:39–1:21:52
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/459-exactly-similar/chapter/fiscal-cliff-austin-tech-real-estate.md

Professional traders on "Fast Money" anticipate a market decline as the "fiscal cliff" approaches. In Austin, Texas, the "Capital Factory" is highlighted as a successful real estate model where angel investors rent out expensive cubicles and desks to startups.

Keywords: [fiscal cliff](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/fiscal-cliff.md), [gold](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/gold.md), [austin texas](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/austin-texas.md), capital factory, angel investors

### Economic Collapse Predictions and 1893 Cycle Comparison

- **Episode:** [458: Punch a Puppy!](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/458-punch-a-puppy.md)
- **Published:** 2012-11-04
- **Time:** 2:18:45–2:22:38
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/458-punch-a-puppy/chapter/economic-collapse-predictions-and-1893-cycle-comparison.md

John Dvorak predicts an economic collapse in March 2013, drawing parallels to the panic of 1893. He suggests that the "fiscal cliff" and a lack of cooperation in Washington will trigger a major downturn following Obama's re-election. Adam Curry expresses concern about his own financial stability in Texas if these predictions come true.

Keywords: [economic collapse](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/economic-collapse.md), 1893, [fiscal cliff](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/fiscal-cliff.md), [barack obama](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/barack-obama.md), [cycles](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cycles.md)

### Fiscal Cliff, Stock Market Collapse Prediction

- **Episode:** [453: Haldol Dribbler](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/453-haldol-dribbler.md)
- **Published:** 2012-10-18
- **Time:** 1:19:48–1:25:47
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/453-haldol-dribbler/chapter/fiscal-cliff-stock-market-collapse-prediction.md

A prediction is made that the U.S. stock market will collapse to 6,000 or 9,000 points if the "fiscal cliff" is reached at the end of 2012. The fiscal cliff involves the expiration of payroll tax cuts and the Bush tax cuts, alongside automatic spending cuts to the military. The economic stagnation is attributed to political gridlock over tax hikes for high earners.

Keywords: [fiscal cliff](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/fiscal-cliff.md), [stock market](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/stock-market.md), [bush tax cuts](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/bush-tax-cuts.md), [payroll tax](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/payroll-tax.md), [military spending](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/military-spending.md)

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