Republican shock doctors have been too successful in labeling the expiration of the Bush tax cuts as a "fiscal cliff," in hopes of gutting vital social services. But in a time of recession, why should the most vulnerable Americans—and not the richest 2 percent—pay the price of US debt? “Citizens of conscience need to reframe this debate, that it’s about jobs and growth,” said Nation editor and publisher Katrina vanden Heuvel. She joins Nation blogger Ari Melber on MSNBC’s Now with Alex Wagner to call on progressives to fight back against the well-funded austerity agenda.

—Christie Thompson

The Congressional Progressive Caucus is rejecting the "Grand Bargain" and demanding we protect social services. Check out Katrina vanden Heuvel on "The Budget Deal We Deserve."