The Economic Policy Institute budget proposal gives solid arguments for why these tax cuts need to expire as scheduled. According to their website,
"The Bush tax cuts have already added more than $3 trillion to the national debt and will add another $4.3 trillion over the next decade, if extended. They should fully expire on schedule, and to alleviate the impact of their expiration on lower- and middle-income households, refundable tax credits should be consolidated and expanded. Specifically, a work credit and a family tax credit should replace the personal exemption, standard deduction, and Earned Income Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit."
Don't compromise, Mr. President, just to make a deal! In the face of opposition, stand your ground.