Finding His Way

I'm not sure Obama has "suddenly" given up on bipartisanship in the face of "Hell no" opposition from the GOP.

He didn't get his efforts to create a bipartisan tone in Washington off to a good start a year ago, because he was too meek in dealing with Democratic leaders in Congress. Anyone who intends to be bipartisan can't hand the wheel over to your own activists while then expecting the other side's activists to sit quietly in the back.

Obama seemed a bit tough with Republicans in his first few months as president, at times with cause. And he's tough now, at times again with cause. But I don't see this as a triumph as much as a regrettable mess that he helped cause. My hope is that, as he continues to feel his way into his presidency, he'll ultimately find the right balance that allows sensible Republicans (in other words, the branch that repudiates Michelle Bachmann) to align with him in good conscience.