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The Company Memo: Wednesday, December 5, 2012

Good morning! Here's what's on today's agenda: "In Tax Fight, G.O.P. Seeks a Position to Fall Back On" by Jonathan Weisman, The New York Times
House Speaker Rep. John Boehner (R-OH) during a press conference on November 9, 2012 (Allison Shelley/Getty Images)
House Speaker Rep. John Boehner (R-OH) during a press conference on November 9, 2012

Good morning! Here's what's on today's agenda:

"In Tax Fight, G.O.P. Seeks a Position to Fall Back On" by Jonathan Weisman, The New York Times

"Senior Republican leadership aides say they are contemplating a fallback position since a standoff over expiring tax rates will be portrayed by Democrats as evidence that the opposition is willing to allow taxes to rise on the middle class to keep taxes from rising on the rich — and their intransigence could mean taxes go up on rich, poor and middle class alike."

Tune in at 10:00 AM ET to hear from Rep. James Lankford (R-Okla.), National Journal's Chris Frates and TIME's Rana Faroohar.

"George W. Bush to Republicans: Embrace Immigration" by John Avlon, The Daily Beast

"It was only the second major policy speech the former president has delivered since leaving office, and Bush let himself wax poetic on the subject of immigration: “Not only do immigrants help build our economy, they invigorate our soul."

We'll talk with Rep. Luis Gutierrez (D-Ill.).

"Costas: We need to talk about America’s gun culture" by Clare Kim, msnbc

"In his first television interview since his controversial commentary on the halftime show of NBC’s Sunday night football coverage, sportscaster Bob Costas stood by his remarks on the murder-suicide committed by Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Jovan Belcher. He emphasized that he was not calling for gun control but rather wanted to push for a candid conversation about America’s gun culture."

We'll tackle gun control starting with Lawrence O'Donnell's Tuesday interview with Bob Costas. Strategists Chris Kofinis and John Brabender join us. 

"Save the $1 Bill!" by Matt Yglesias, Slate

"A new GAO study says we could save billions by replacing dollar bills with coins. Don’t believe it."

Slate's Matt Yglesias is here to discuss his piece.  

And msnbc's Richard Lui will "Drilldown" on some possible upcoming races: Will Ashley Judd try to unseat Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.)? Can Herman Cain take on Sen. Saxby Chambliss (R-Ga.)? And will we really see a Corey Booker/Chris Christie showdown for the NJ governorship? Only time will tell!