A couple of thoughts.
First, I think that this shows a real weakness in Obama as a president. By my count, this is about the fifth time that he's gone to Congress and got rolled, to where what he wanted looked nothing like what he got. And this isn't just a Republican thing, because a few of these things happened when Dems controlled both houses. The Stimulus, Health Care, the Bush Tax Cut extension, he went in with an agenda, and he blinked. He took a knife to a gunfight. Add appropriate metaphor here....
I think this goes beyond partisanship. I didn't care for Bill Clinton particularly, but I can't deny he was an effective president, and was able to accomplish things despite losing congress and even getting impeached. But he could get things done, and he controlled the conversation. I have a feeling that if Hillary had become president, she would not be having these kinds of difficulties.
Second- the TEA Party- clearly showing strength through unity and focus. A lot of the talking heads bemoaned their influence, but they stuck to their guns and got what they wanted.
First, I think that this shows a real weakness in Obama as a president. By my count, this is about the fifth time that he's gone to Congress and got rolled, to where what he wanted looked nothing like what he got. And this isn't just a Republican thing, because a few of these things happened when Dems controlled both houses. The Stimulus, Health Care, the Bush Tax Cut extension, he went in with an agenda, and he blinked. He took a knife to a gunfight. Add appropriate metaphor here....
I think this goes beyond partisanship. I didn't care for Bill Clinton particularly, but I can't deny he was an effective president, and was able to accomplish things despite losing congress and even getting impeached. But he could get things done, and he controlled the conversation. I have a feeling that if Hillary had become president, she would not be having these kinds of difficulties.
Second- the TEA Party- clearly showing strength through unity and focus. A lot of the talking heads bemoaned their influence, but they stuck to their guns and got what they wanted.