A Good Day At Daily Kos

Master Class

Some guy at Daily Troll makes a very astute point about Obama's strategy.
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2010/12/22/930875/-I-was-wrong

Basically, Obama believes that ideological, bitter partisan fights are good for the GOP, because the GOP requires a great deal of cynicism about government.  "A pox on both your houses" is not a good mood for the electorate to be in, when it comes time to elect Democrats.  After all, the Democrats are trying to govern in a way that changes the existing structure of power.  The GOP seeks to perpetuate it.

This justifies Obama's strategy of focusing on results over victories.  He wants government policies to be accepted, because they make people's lives better, not because they are ideological pure.  It's a remarkably astute observation by Obama and this Karl Trautman guy.

Additionally, look at THIS from DK:
http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2010/12/22/930899/-Poll:-Lame-duck-boosts-Obama;-GOP-slips

Obama "capitulates" to the hostage takers and the Left freaks out about how Obama is terrible and will be a one term president.

And his polling numbers go up.

Additionally, the public now more than ever sees the GOP as the party that is obstructing progress.  When we have our government shutdown soon - likely over the budgeting for HCR - Obama has already defined himself as the reasonable one.  Things like the GOP denying health care to 9/11 responders are what will help define the debate.

UPDATE: Spoke too soon.  Some are in a freak-out over Obama's executive order about 48 Gitmo detainees.  I tried to point out that Congress kept Obama and Holder from trying these guys in court.  Pointless.