Haven't they BEEN talking??
Yes, but Reid knew he would be on national TV and had to "pretend" that he is the reasonable one---that he wants to work with the reps., but then show that the reps are the intractable ones by denying his request---
They have had their "war room" working overtime on all of these tactics, it is ALL gonna be scripted---just like that idiot Schumer asking Frist to let him ask a question--trying to get Frist off of his flow of speech, because Schumer knows this is a "good campaign" speech to get Frist's pres. campaign a kick start....
All of the above is, of course, IMHO