Reply #21: let's see. He can propose legislation. He can veto it. The rest is just talk.

[bigtree]

Congress decides the language and content of legislation. They are the closest to their legislative colleagues and more capable of negotiating with them. Congress had many opportunities this past year to negotiate, compromise, or whatever they wanted. They aren't bound by what the President proposes, so it's just an excuse for them to claim he's somehow tying their hands.

The President did go out and persuade on this issue on the campaign trail. He's been including the issue of the republican cuts in speeches, addresses, and policy appeals for years. But he can't move legislation through the legislature. That's Congress' job. They can certainly try and deflect from that responsibility, but it's theirs, nonetheless.