The ultimate success of the "Deal" is

[Raven]

entirely dependent on the Chessman. I wonder how many moves ahead of the other side he is. I am betting that he already has figured out the end game, at least I'm hoping he has.

[DCBob]

1. Yes, I believe he has several scenarios for the end game.

It wont be easy but I think this will turn out fine.

[bigtree]

2. we certainly hope so

I personally think the Prez needs to (continue to) rely on his very astute policy advisers, because he doesn't always seem to get the nuances of the political pitfalls in some of his proposals.

I say this because, i remember in his first campaign against Hillary Clinton that he'd said something disparaging about the 'fights' waged in the past (referring mainly to Clinton and health care) and I just knew that he'd just either completely brushed past what was a valiant defense of Democratic principles in that past debate, or, was just ignorant of the importance of that 'fight.'

I too, hope he's matured politically enough to appreciate the landscape and respect our Democratic battles and the turf we've gained through blood, sweat, and tears. I too, hope he's got an end game in his back pocket. I'm optimistic (not unusual for me).

[Raven]

3. I pray we are both right about this because if

we are wrong, the next several months (maybe years) will be a nightmare.

[bigtree]

4. I've never seen a more dynamic president in my lifetime

. . . he has a way of making things happen. I think it's because everyone knows he didn't come to Washington to just play president. He never stopped advocating for his initiatives and policy, all throughout the election. Barack Obama's a political dynamo. In the end, he'll have set a new high bar for accomplishment in office. Bookmark it.

[Raven]

5. I will! Happy New Year!

[bigtree]

6. best wishes for the new year, Raven

. . . I'm so grateful that so many fine folks like you are here helping share in these important days and years. What remarkable life we are witness to. I'm so looking forward to much more . . .

[chimpymustgo]

7. Are you being sarcastic? I've never seen a President talk so big and deliver so little.

I realize he may be the best we can hope for in this plotocracy - but let's not call these shit sandwich "deals" he keeps making - steaks.

[bigtree]

8. look, I've never seen a progressive superperson make it to the WH and I have some understanding why

This is the political system that I've come to recognize. But, it's more than just recognition of the diverse opinions and interests which make up our legislature; it's a recognition of the myriads of opinions and interests of voters around the nation who elect these folks.

We certainly want the whole enchilada when we bring our particular interests to the table, yet, we're limited in our political system by the need to form coalitions of like-minded legislators (each holding their own state's notion of what's important) to advance our interests and ideals through the legislature and enact them into action or law.

I don't think that can EVER be a process where I'm going to find everything on my plate accepted and enacted intact. That's because of the nature of our divided legislature. We bring our principled positions to the table, and we either argue them out or we compromise with folks who may not share our complete view. The democracy provides for both options. There is little room for our president or our legislators to just dictate policy.

That's why I can appreciate progress like this 'deal' they've managed to cobble together.