CNN: corker just confirmed...chained CPI off the table..

[JDPriestly]

79. As one who has successfully negotiated in difficult situations, I would say it is pretty stupid.

When you are negotiating, you make demands and then respond to the counterdemand from the other side. You try to get every single thing you want, and you let the other side know that you do not plan to accept less.

You have to show your negotiating opponent that you are willing to risk a bad outcome in order to get a good one.

You do not give anything until the other side makes an offer you can accept.

And above all, you have really good arguments and reasons for insisting on no compromise.

You do not go into negotiations with a mindset that you will compromise. You go in with the mindset that what you are asking for is right, that you and the people you are representing have a right to what they are demanding and that the other side is in the wrong and should give you what you propose.

It is utterly stupid, utterly stupid to go into a negotiation and accept abominable terms offered by the other side.

Obama should have gone public about the recalcitrance of the Republicans long ago. And he should never, ever put anything to do with Social Security or Medicare on the table. Those programs are sacrosanct in America. Read the polls.

That he put those programs on the table makes him look weak and desperate, not smart.

Negotiating is a test of wills. If your negotiating opponent recognizes the strength of your purpose and your determination and in addition recognizes that you are speaking from a solid core of integrity and honesty, you will get close to what you want if not all you want for those you are representing. It is a matter of inner, core moral strength. It comes from caring about those you are representing and having the facts at your fingertips. If you are really committed to your cause, you will stun the other side.

That is how it really works.