"Negotiate from a position of power"

[EmeraldCityGrl]

That is a quote from Tom Harkin (D-IA) . He also suggested someone needs to remind Obama,
as he held up a pen, that he has veto power.

Another comment he made was "this is not how things work here." It was as if he was questioning
Obama's ability to understand how negotiations and eventual deals are made.

Is it at all possible that Obama simply lacks the experience and knowledge to run a government as
complicated as ours? Are we dealing with a brilliant man that simply lacks a certain skill set that
is imperative to leading a nation?

What I wouldn't give to see DR. Dean replace Rahm. Many of us have felt since day one that Obama's
initial mistake was the people he chose to surround himself with. Summers comments today about
the possibility of a double dip recession if the proposal fails, contradicting exactly what Obama said
yesterday, is an example of a staff that lacks a cohesive message and a long term recovery plan.

[polichick]

1. That might be more likely if the prez hadn't served in both...

...the House and Senate - he should know how it works.

[madrchsod]

2. at least tom has it covered...

durbin on the other hand is a total sell out. i`m going to work for anyone who runs against him in the primary. hopefully he`ll just retire.

[jody]

3. Successful politicians with a simple majority never negotiate although they may give that impression