I admire Obama's desire for conversation, consultation and, if possible, bipartisan support for his agenda. But it's been clear since early in his term that the GOP marching orders are to thwart him whenever possible. I didn't really think Chuck Grassley would craft a healthcare bill more palatable to me, but I thought possibly he'd help Obama get a bill that would attract some Republican support.I never cease to amaze myself by my naiveté and unwarranted optimism. I think it's time for Obama to use his political capital to whip the Democrats, including the nippy, yippy selfish and untested Blue Dogs, into shape. If he compromises with the likes of Chuck Grassley after Grassley betrayed him, he can give up the rest of his agenda -- and maybe even a second term. But I trust Obama to know that he's been punked by Grassley, and to act accordingly. (Source)
Her last paragraph echoes my post from last week, and I hope she's right about Obama learning his lesson here, but for reasons explained in my earlier post, I doubt it.
I know Grassley has a reputation for being one of the relatively sane Republicans, but it really is flabbergasting to me how anybody could think, after all we've been through, that the Republicans in congress are reasonable people who have honest concerns. Surely there are many reasonable rank-and-file Republicans who have honest concerns, but who in congress represents them?
The Republicans and most of the Blue Dogs are problems to be managed and opponents to be outmaneuvered, not honest brokers with whom to negotiate in good faith.To proceed on the assumption of good faith at this point is abject stupidity.