A bill that actually does anything more than fund the troops will be vetoed, and the Dims will not be able to over-ride the veto. The President might let them throw in some non-binding language that’s in agreement with previously established administration goals, but that’s it.
So, what’s to compromise?
The President is not going to get a "clean bill." If he continues to veto any bill except a "clean" one, he will not get the money for the troops, which is what the Dems want. The Dems will say that it is Bush who is blocking the money for the troops.
Bush will have to make some compromises if he wants to get the funds. It is just a matter of negotiating them so both sides can declare victory.
The Dems hold the better cards in this game of chicken.