Reply #5: interesting analysis

[IndyPragmatist]

The Democrats are likely the ones who have to worry about surviving. The general public seems to believe the President controls everything. While Bush and Obama have both made efforts to increase their influence on government, they are still limited in what they can do. Obama is more powerful as a leader of the Democratic Party than he is as President when it comes to actual legislation. If the economy doesn't improve by 2012, Obama will likely lose the election.

It would be in his best interests to cooperate and convince the moderates that he will govern more towards the center to help this country. With the GOP control of the House, he will not accomplish much with his current policies. He needs to take a hit, and be willing to actually compromise (instead of the take it or leave it stance that was taken with the healthcare bill). If he can do this, he has a good shot at re-election. If not, look for Rubio, Daniels, or someone from "outside DC" to win easily.