David Zelizer : They all remember when Democratic presidential candidate Walter Mondale admitted in a debate against Ronald Reagan in 1984 that he would raise taxes and suffered as a result . When Republicans attack progressive taxes , Democrats usually hide . He says Democrats need to advocate for a progressive tax and use it to fund programs . The GOP 's ` ` starve the poor '' program has prevented government from solving key problems , he says .
David Zelizer : When Republicans attack progressive taxes , Democrats usually hide . He says Democrats need to advocate for a progressive tax and use it to fund programs . The GOP 's ` ` starve the poor '' program has prevented government from solving key problems , he says .