Politically astute does not = compromise.
astute; Having or showing shrewdness and discernment, especially with respect to one’s own concerns.
"We're past campaign mode...I think it's important for everyone to get some form of health care. So, I think to offer a basic plan for everyone is important. It's just a question of whether we're going to raise taxes, or we're going to cut half a trillion from Medicare, we're going to effect veteran's care...I think we can do it better...and to just be the forty-first Senator and bring it back to the drawing board. There are some very good things in the national plan that's being proposed."