"Perception is reality, so "reality" holds Congressional Republicans more responsible for the impasse than any other actor in this interminable saga. Just look at the polls. This is why many liberals seem positively giddy about the prospect of cliff diving. Taxes would go up on everyone, the military would receive a dangerous haircut, the economy would take a big hit, and an incensed electorate would point the finger at Republicans -- even if Democrats were the true culprits. Republicans have again and again come to the negotiating table in an attempt to head off this eventuality. They've come up empty at every turn. This latest offer is fair-minded and earnest by any reasonable standard, and it's decent (if incomplete and ultimately inadequate) on substance. But substance doesn't amount to anything if you can't win the argument in the court of public opinion.
Thus, we're stuck with two political parties gripped by contrasting flaws.
Democrats are masterful manipulators and possess a penchant for effective political positioning. (Granted, having an obsequious, partisan media in your back pocket makes this task easier). On the other hand, they offer precious little on policy. To wit, they haven't passed a budget in three years, despite their statutory obligation to do so. Power is their ultimate end, not governance.
Republicans, conversely, have been churning out plans, policy proposals, compromises (and budgets) -- all while laboring under the apparent assumption that simply engaging in the difficult business of governing will somehow be sufficient. It won't, and it's not.
Facing an opposing party president who is actively stumping for his agenda at public rallies -- replete with all the accoutrements and optics of a campaign stop -- Republicans wrote a letter, and leaked it to the media. Various media scribes dutifully wrote articles about the missive, Democrats predictably pooh-poohed it, and less than 24 hours later, the debate has careened back into its familiar dead-end rut. The Left is content to float along this path because they know they hold the public relations high ground. It's Republicans who need to change the game, and sending a letter simply won't cut it. Not even close"
