Reid not being able to get votes to go to the bathroom shows Obama could pressure blue dogs and...

[yurbud]

win back some trust of progressives.

On most major initiatives, he pressured progressives to go along with more conservative policies or deeply compromised bills.

In this case, he could put the screws to the nuts of right wing of the Democratic Party and get them to fall in line, proving that he really is the adult in the room, not just a right wing Democrat pretending to be a neutral referee.

[fascisthunter]

1. he won't

[TheWraith]

2. Really? "Get them to fall in line" how, exactly?

Given the fact that there really is no way to force them to do what he wants, and they perceive it being in their political interest NOT to.

[RaleighNCDUer]

4. Then he makes it a matter of their political interest to do it.

He's the head of the fucking party. He could turn off the tap from the DNC. He could sponsor a challenger to run against them. He could have their offices moved to the basement. He could have them stripped of their committee leadership. He could make them public laughingstocks by exposing their hypocrisy.

OTOH, he could guarantee party support, for reciprocal support. He could discourage challengers from the left. He could see to it they get high profile publicity, enhancing their public standing.

There is a LOT he COULD do.

[monmouth]

3. Show him that picture of LBJ. That's how it's done...n/t

[saras]

5. You sure you don't mean that picture of JFK?

[monmouth]

6. There was a pic of LBJ bending down and right in the face of someone.

Poor guy was leaning back. It was pretty funny. The point being you really have to get yourself out there and be sort of bullish I guess is the word I'm looking for.

[great white snark]

7. He'll keep my trust if he never takes any of your "advice".

If Reid can't with the power of earmarks how can Obama? Yell at them?