These are all relatively modest measures. (We centrists always try to balance idealism with realism.) Unfortunately, the larger opportunities for broad tax reform or a grand bargain on long-term deficits and debt are unlikely to come until after the election -- and there's no rational reason to expect that the hyperpartisan politics will end then.

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The prime example is the so-called Super Committee charged with arriving at a grand bargain on the long-term budget, taxes and spending.

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Although qualifying ISO dispositions can be reported as long-term capital gains on the 1040, the bargain element at exercise is also a preference item for the Alternative Minimum Tax.

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Mr. Obama told the Register (whose endorsement for re-election he was soliciting but didn't get) that he can doubtless achieve a "grand bargain" with Republicans on spending and taxes in the first six months of a second term.

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Precious metals saw bargain hunting and short covering following the strong selling pressure seen on Monday that did produce some fresh near-term technical damage for both gold and silver.

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According to stock forecasters at ValuEngine.com, these high volume names most of them leaders in their sectors might be in trouble short term, but buying on the lows for those with the cash to do so might be bargain of the century.

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