More on the Tax Deal

David Leonhardt says that, quantitatively, the President got a good deal:

Of its estimated $900 billion-plus cost over two years, roughly $120 billion covers the high-end tax cuts and the estate tax cut, $450 billion covers Mr. Obama’s wish list and $360 billion covers the tax cut extensions both parties favored.

CBO says that the payroll tax cut would be more stimulative if it went to employers rather than employees (an issue I discussed here):

A temporary reduction in payroll taxes—especially in the share of taxes paid by employers—would also have a significant positive short-term effect on the economy. This approach would boost output and employment both by increasing demand for goods and services and by providing an incentive for additional hiring.

Thanks to Felix Salmon for the pointer.