Disagree. This isn't good cop, bad cop. Obama and the Dems, the most radical legislators ever to run Congress, passed their Marxist, transformative agenda during Obama's first two years. With overwhelming majorities in both the Senate and the House, there was no talk of compromise or balance when passing Obamacare and the huge Porkulus bill.
The 2010 midterms have eliminated almost all of the "moderate" Dems and now we are left with the real hardcore ideologues. They have not passed a budget bill in over 800 days. They understand that the welfare state is imploding, but they would rather try to keep it going a little while longer by spending even more money on these failed programs even if it means draconian cuts to defense. Guns vs butter has been the battle fought before in socialist countries and butter wins every time. And they continue to pull the class warfare card calling for more taxes on the "rich."
Obama and the Dems in Congress are on the same page. They orchestrate their efforts. There is no division between them. Obama's leadership style is to appear to be above the fray thus insulating him from failure so he can blame someone else and taking credit when things go well. He follows the Saul Alinsky playbook.
I really believe Obama wants a crisis. He needs something to blame for his failed policies to get this country back on the road to recovery. He really isn't interested in a deal because he believes that the Reps will be blamed similar to what happened under Clinton and the government shutdown. I think he is operating under an illusion because these are different times and circumstances. Here is hoping the Reps don't go any more wobbly than they are now.
Very good analysis... You have articulated the situation very, very well. You really hit the nail with this one...
“Obama’s leadership style is to appear to be above the fray thus insulating him from failure so he can blame someone else and taking credit when things go well.”
BZ Thanks