It always feels good to win when victory consist of all the things aligned with your own agenda.  In politics, the problem with that triumphant celebration in honor of the feel good moment is: if the winner rival lacks compassion, the responsibilities of the Executive Branch of government weighs heavy on law makers involved in the legislative process. Where politics are concerned, lack of compassion is law making at its worst; all full of greed and selfishness with no give and take.

Recently, we all were able to breath a shy of relief, as legislators reached a clothespin compromise on the debt ceiling bill. A "plate full of 50th birthday presents; none of them what you asked for" said Gwen Ifill.  What a way to describe the mess of Republican pork padding laid out for President Obama's stamp of approval.  I wonder if he was nauseous?

No matter, someone left their seat feeling pretty good, and the joy fell from the throne of the decision makers onto the plates of hungry Americans who longed for resolution.  On this particular Webcast Extra, Gwen IFill was joined by Charles Babington, Debra Solomon, and Micheal Duffy.     

The Big Deal

The finish up made me want to address the issue of victorious attitudes. Does compassion need to be a part of equation for winners? Could losers feel compassion that extends outside of their own agenda? Politically speaking, Democrats or Republicans can be winners, it all depends on the bill and who is affected to gain benefit. Compassion is just a necessary part of policy making because when present, humble character is exhibited in the best way. There's recognition and understanding that things can't always be one sided. Duffy spoke about Obama's relationship with law makers while insinuating that the President is being bullied through the political process. What an opinion right? President Obama is trying hard to make decisions and create policies that produce positive results on a national level. His compassion is evident, and it has stayed with him on and off the campaign trail. That's what makes his run for a second term so vital to our country. A President that can lose footage in the law making game and still feel positive about Republicans high benefit from legislation, is the type of President that can use wisdom to come through in a crisis.  While Democrats have something to cheer about, there is no middle ground.  It's obvious that President Obama is taking a stand.  

Solomon was wrong, the President did not get a black eye.  In fact, he has reason to be eating a big, juicy steak and a side salad full of cucumbers while getting his temples massaged.  As the pressure increased, the passage of the debt ceiling bill gave evidence that the negotiating game is hard work, but President Obama has made it clear that he recognizes how to align needs and goals strategically in a crisis.  I just wonder what is Joe Biden's overall reaction? After all, it is a well known fact that Biden has used the "F" word when big legislation passes.  This has been a political mouthful?  Are you still hungry?    

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