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"Lormand, you ask how it costs the President political capital. How long do you think the media would have harped on Bush's inability to get a bill through a GOP-controlled Congress? Right off the bat, the American electorate would have an image of some bumbling, politically inept fool living in the White House. I believe the President understood this, and understands that there is a proper time to address sensitive issues (that time was not in the first six months of office under the current Congress)."

How do they know the results without even trying? It takes leadership to pursuade the electorate and opposing politicians. With your view of it, say goodbye to banning partial birth abortions forever.

How do they know the results without even trying? It takes leadership to pursuade the electorate and opposing politicians. With your view of it, say goodbye to banning partial birth abortions forever.

I think it's pretty simple: think of what Democrats would vote to ban PBA, knowing full well that if the ban passes it WILL be signed into law at the White House. Zell probably comes to our side, maybe one or two others. Not think of how many Republicans vote against the ban: Snowe, Jeffords (at the time), Spector, and probably a few more. It wouldn't pass a simple majority, much less the 60 needed to move the bill through the Senate.

Now that the landscape has changed, there's a chance Bush can jawbone the Senate into passing the law. I'd give him 40-60 at best, even with a 90% approval rating.

How do they know the results without even trying?

Because they have learned over the years, and know what they are doing. Either one of these would be good for you to accomplish.