Don't the Republicans Know How to Negotiate?

[louis c]

The Republicans seemed shocked by President Obama's opening offer. There are no Medicare Benefit cuts or Social Security cuts in it.

No shitting.

I negotiate for a living and let me give you an example of one of the contracts I just did. The company wanted drug testing, we wanted raises in wages and benefits. Going in, I knew that drug testing was on the table. However, I only proposed wage and benefit increases. They countered with no wage increase and no benefit increases, but drug testing. After about 8 weeks of negotiating, we ended up with increases in wages that ranged from 12% to 22% over 3 years and an increase in the employer contribution to health and dental. In addition, the drug testing became a 3 strikes and your out program, with progressive discipline at each step. Step one required counseling paid for by the employer.

The example I use is this. I couldn't propose drug testing, it had to come from the company. I couldn't go back to my members (my base) and say the idea was mine. They put it forward, I amended it and could explain what we received in return for this concession.

If the Republicans want to cut Medicare and Social Security, they have to bring it up. If it comes from the Dems, the Repukes will never let us forget that we suggested it. Obama already said everything is on the table, but the other side has to put it there.

Obama's opening offer is "this is what we want, now tell us what you want".

It's simple negotiations 101.

[PADemD]

1. Negotiate?

They only know how to demand.

[yends21012]

10. Very well said.

[DrDan]

2. they were expecting an offer similar to past negotiations - starting from a position of compromise

[RandiFan1290]

3. They are use to getting their way

Why would they have to?

[demwing]

4. When did Obama say cuts to SSN were on the table?

Last edited Fri Nov 30, 2012, 10:24 AM - Edit history (2)

???

Cite please

EDIT - changed "When did Obama say SSN was on the table?" to "When did Obama say cuts to SSN were on the table?"

[louis c]

8. Here you go

Here's the one of many news stories on the subject and the direct quote from our President.

Link;
http://content.usatoday.com/communities/theoval/post/2011/07/obama-everything-is-on-the-table/1

[demwing]

12. First, I rephrased my question

to "When did Obama say cuts to SSN were on the table?"

You talk about cuts, obama talks about modifications. Maybe he means cuts, maybe he means adjusting the retirement age, maybe he means "means testing" above a specified income. Here's his quote from the article you cite:

""We need to look at entitlements, and we have to say, how do we protect and preserve Medicare and Social Security for not just this generation but also future generations?" Obama said. "And that's going to require some modifications, even as we maintain its basic structure."

It's also worth noting that this article is from July 2011. Over a year old, and not necessarily relevant to current and future negotiations, but since we're looking at old quotes, here's another from 2011:

"To put us on solid ground, we should also find a bipartisan solution to strengthen Social Security for future generations. And we must do it without putting at risk current retirees, the most vulnerable, or people with disabilities; without slashing benefits for future generations; and without subjecting Americans’ guaranteed retirement income to the whims of the stock market."

-President Obama, State of the Union 01/25/11

[louis c]

13. I never said that Obama was in favor of cutting SS or Medicare

that's the Republican position.

If they want to cut it, let the proposal come from them. Then, Obama will counter with a modified proposal, like means testing or increasing the the ceiling on contribution from $113,000 in annual income to something higher.

But the cut proposal is the Repuke position, not ours and they will not get it from the Dems.

You understand my point, that we, as Dems, don't want to cut anything in Social Security, Medicare or Medicaid. The other side wants those cuts, so bring it up and then we'll counter.

The proposal of those cuts are politically hazardous for both sides. Why do you think the Repukes want it to come from Obama first?

[deutsey]

5. You mean, the folks whose motto is "It's my way or the highway"? n/t

[Eddie Haskell]

6. They come from the "hold your breath" school of negotiation.

Spoiled brats need a good spanking.

[marble falls]

7. In a word? No. But now they get to learn how to cave in.

[CanonRay]

9. Are you available for hire to Reid and Obama's staffers?

I think they need Negotiating 101.

[KharmaTrain]

11. They Know How To Negotiate Like They Know How To Govern....

...meaning they don't! They're so used to hearing their own talking points and are so "convinced" they are right on every issue that the concept of negotiation is shown as a sign of weakness. So they end up with the "my way or the highway" position that any negotiator knows is a sure recipe for a breakdown and/or ultimate failure.

We're seeing the usual rushpublican poutrage when they don't get their way. They were no even willing to take $10s in cuts for every $1 increase in taxes. President Obama has the offer on the table now...if they don't come back with a REASONABLE counter (not the same shit they always peddle) then they will take the hit. The President has played this game well so far...if the rushpublicans refuse the offer and don't come back with something reasonable, they will take a big hit in the polls. Inversely, there are still a lot of teabaggers who would rather see the country go to hell just to "prove a point" (which, of course, is they're selfish assholes).

Unfortunately there are those on this side of the sandbox who don't understand negotiation or compromise either and the second a deal is reached (assuming one is reached), we'll hear all about how President Obama has sold us all out. Such is how it goes in the collective bargaining process...the best deal sometimes tends to be the one that pisses people off more than they are happy with...