The Repubs have shown our President that seeking bi-partisanship is nothing but a snipe hunt

[Phoebe Loosinhouse]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Snipe_hunt

A snipe hunt, a form of wild-goose chase that is also known as a fool's errand, is a type of practical joke that involves experienced people making fun of newcomers by giving them an impossible or imaginary task.
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I think the President was/is entirely sincere, but let them seek HIM out in the future if they should suddenly get a clue from their own voters that they themselves are an endangered species.

[Clio the Leo]

1. And the very fact that we're still talking about it proves he's been successful.

The goal was never to BE bipartisaned, but to appear to try.

check.

[ellacott]

2. I think it also showed the American People that this was a snipe hunt

And I think this was his motivation. He gave them their chance. People can't blame him for not trying. They blame the Party of No.

[Orsino]

3. All he has to do is shame a very few of them a very little bit.

It's not a "hunt" in the sense that he will come home with a carcass, but it is an attempt to exert influence--and as always, with the minimum expenditure of political capital.