(the Pubs at least made a serious offer - 800 billion in more revenue in exchange for cuts in entitlements in some unspecified amount),
Their offer was
sheer nonsense. They said they were willing to take $800 billion in more revenue with
lower tax rates and magical deduction closings and dynamic scoring that would somehow generate more money in a way no one can document. It's Laffer Curve magical thinking, not a concession.
Obama's offer was his bargaining position, not a compromise. They will have to work out a compromise behind closed doors, as we said. But Obama has tried bargaining with himself first in the past, putting forth 50% compromises, only to have Republicans hold out for 80% or 90% compromises. He's doing the right thing now by sticking to his guns, which will force the House Republicans to take him seriously. I wouldn't expect Republicans to see it as acceptable, but that's why your side has to be willing to make some real concessions in order to trade for our side to make real concessions. It's not a hostage situation any more, it's a negotiation, and one where the outcome favors Obama. It may be tough for the Tea Party caucus to accept, they value their purity and will primary any Republican who compromises, but we're not playing games any more, this is real. Dems have principles too.
The fact that Republicans campaigned on their plans for the budget, and lost, and lost HARD (including in the national House vote total), matters for what the outcome should be.
