I'm getting more confused

The Democrats have been accused of being the tax and spend party and republicans have always claimed to stand for less taxes and less government. 

Would someone please explain the following statement about Romney

"He claims the president is “passively” standing by as $109 billion in potential spending cuts loom".

The Democrats are accusing the Rebulicans of wanting to raise taxes and the Republicans are accusing the Democrats of reducing spending. 

 

Can someone please help me understand what's going on?