Right on Red; you are absolutely correct! Step right up folks and see the finest Grand Guignol theatre presentation in the world; right here in Washington starring some of the greatest political puppets in the world! George, Brownie, Barry; an occasional cameo appearance by Bill C...etc.

I must agree with Red. As much as I wish Obama was pure of heart, he's clearly under someone's thumb or is totally unaware of how things get done in washington.

His ill-fated attempt at bi-partisanship should have told him it was impossible from the start, yet he continues to try, apparently unaware that the Republican strategy is to simply say no to everything he proposes.

I'm really disappointed in the way Obama is handling things, considering the vicious self-interest of his political enemies, the entire Republican party.

I think he really just doesn't know or can't understand how things are done in DC. That's his inexperience showing. Or he may be honestly trying to 'change' things.

It's unfortunate that he's losing so many moderates on both sides to retirement (or to disgust and frustration.)