I just read this interview with Grover Norquist, the guy with the "no tax increase" pledge. I've long felt that he doesn't get called enough on something, which is that while he talks about how taxes must not be raised, what he means is that they must not be raised on rich people. He doesn't seem bothered at all if they're raised on the poor or middle class, especially if that makes tax cuts for the wealthy more possible. Here is one exchange I thought was telling…
SK: What about the payroll tax cut? Do you think that should be extended for another year as well, to keep people's taxes from going up, or should it expire?
GN: Either way — We could replace that with other tax cuts…I think the Republicans are looking for revenue neutral tax reform — make sure you don't increase the total burden. Whether that means a Social Security tax cut or income tax cut, there are plenty of ways to do it.
The payroll tax cut affects poor and middle class folks mainly so he's fine with trading that away. My guess is he'd prefer it because, you know, we've got to get the Koch Brothers some relief.