In an article noting that some Republican members of the supercommittee are willing to raise taxes, the Washington Post told readers that Republicans might be willing to make concessions on taxes because they are:

“Party leaders wary of Congress’s dismal approval ratings are loath to appear incapable of deficit reduction.”

The packages that have been talked about in the media include cuts to Social Security and Medicare, both of which are likely to be highly unpopular. It is not clear that members of Congress who are concerned about their approval ratings would go this route. However there is little doubt that the Washington Post (in both its editorial and news sections) will warmly praise members of Congress for reaching an agreement as will other major news outlets.