[sickoflibs]

RE :”The Republicans have already painted themselves into a corner. When they agreed to the sequestration deal back in 2011, the Republicans gave away their strongest negotiating points. The cuts the GOP agreed to back in 2011 would be the most painful for the GOP. This was John Boehner’s brilliant idea that would “force” negotiations to reach an equitable settlement.
....
Unfortunately for the Republicans and for America, the Obama Regime has no interest in fair agreement. They do not look at negotiations as a forum for compromise so that the best ideas can prevail. They look at negotiations as another battleground just like elections. They do not want a fair agreement. They want to win. (DUHHHH!)
Obama approaches these negotiations knowing a couple of things. First, his team has done such a good job of messaging on the fiscal cliff; most polls show the public will blame the Republicans for the fiscal cliff.
Obama knows the drive by media will cover him. They will dutifully report that anything other than a complete capitulation will be portrayed as Republicans trying to protect millionaires and trying to screw the middle class.
The other thing he knows is he has an opponent who has no stomach for the fight. John Boehner will not stand and fight. When you have an opponent who will not fight, why even try to be reasonable.
....
Obama believes he is in the driver’s seat. He believes Boehner will fold and give him everything he wants. If Boehner folds and gives Obama everything he wants, not only does Obama continue to destroy America, he destroys the Republican Party at the same time.
Boehner has a BATANA. It is to simply walk away from the negotiations. Boehner should realize that even if the fiscal cliff turns into a disaster now, by the time the 2014 elections come along, the fiscal cliff will be long forgotten. What will not be forgotten is if Boehner surrenders to Obama”

The above is pretty accurate, and he says what I been saying for almost two years:

1) Obama wants to win
2) I dont know what Republicans want, to whine?

I would add to his advice:
Pass a partial extension of the taxe cuts in the House <$250K, send it to Senate and cover every talk show and run commercials pointing out that Oama’s key argument (Rich vs middle class) has been neutralized. You protected 'the middle class'

Then ask Obama what HE needs and what he is willing to pay for it.

[SueRae]

Gingrich did a good job of outlining an approach on Greta Van Susteren’s show. Break the ‘cliff’ into separate ‘foothills’ and put forth legislation on each...then let the Senate pass or not pass it. Do it in the OPEN. But do it now. Breaking it up into smaller pieces is a better way to tackle large problmes, will draw distinctions that can be articulated WELL into the media and keeps a single monstrosity bill from being drafted/negotiated/passed behind closed doors and in the middle of the night. I’m sick of this holiday crisis that they pull each year. Sick of it.

[stephenjohnbanker]

” They will dutifully report that anything other than a complete capitulation will be portrayed as Republicans trying to protect millionaires and trying to screw the middle class.
The other thing he knows is he has an opponent who has no stomach for the fight. John Boehner will not stand and fight. When you have an opponent who will not fight, why even try to be reasonable.”

Nailed it.