Reluctant Progress on Budget Deal

The lead article in today’s New York Times, “Fight on Budget Poses Challenge for Two Leaders,” shows how President Obama and House Speaker John Boehner have become an odd couple during this traumatic time. Each is dealing with recalcitrant members of their own caucus — Tea Party activists for Mr. Boehner and liberal Democrats for President Obama — during a trying time for the federal government and the nation.

Yes, the conservative Republicans won in the most recent election, as they are tirelessly telling us, but they are misinterpreting and overreaching on their mandate, a fact the Democrats will drive home to their advantage in 2012. There was, to some degree, a reaction against overspending, but no one was demanding the dismantling of Medicare for senior citizens as Paul Ryan’s budget for next year (another upcoming fight) proposes. But first, we must pass a budget for this year, and the Tea Party should be happy with the progress they have made. However, the ability to compromise is a sign of maturity that many of them have failed to muster.

The late night meeting called by the President yesterday forced John Boehner and Harry Reid to sit in a room and confront the realities of the situation. While they did not come to a final agreement, it appears they are on the path to doing so. But then, each must fight with their own unruly caucus to secure the votes for passage.