Is it wise or unwise to offer - before the first bill is intoduced - to compromise with the repubs?

[Stinky The Clown]

We cannot pass anything in the House without them.

They cannot get one damned thing done - apart from posturing - without the Dems.

What to do? Appear reasonable and look for compromise or dig in our heels and stick our chins out?

[enlightenment]

1. Given that their definition of compromise is

"Do it our way" - does it make a difference?

If we 'compromise' under their rules, it's the same as caving into their demands - they get what they want and we get nothing.
If we dig in our heels, they get to posture as victims of our belligerence - and we still get nothing.

[Crazy Dave]

2. I think the republicans have enough Blue Dog and moderate dems...

To help them pretty much do whatever they want.

[de novo]

3. We all know that repugs do not compromise in good faith.

There really is no point in reaching out to them or meeting them halfway. If you give them an inch, they take and mile and stab you in the back. Dems need to get tough with the reugs. Force their hand, and use the power the Dems still have. The Senate and WH.

[asdjrocky]

4. Of course it is.

However, that's what he does.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

5. I'd say dig in our heels.......but politely.

[donco6]

6. It is not wise to adjust your stand before you even start, no.

You're always negotiating from an initial starting point. When you abandon your point before you even start, you're just giving the game away. Talk about lack of pragmatism - that's just fucking common sense.

[Tatiana]

7. Hold our cards tight to our chests. See what they are willing to offer.

If it's something significant and we're able to get something accomplished on our side, then compromise is possible.

But I don't think we should let them make the first move. They are the ones who have clearly demonstrated they don't want to compromise.

Let all the tax cuts expire.

[Terra Alta]

8. I guess there is no choice but to compromise.

Doesn't mean we have to give in completely to them. That's only if they want to compromise -- with Repukes it's almost always their way or the highway. Wouldn't surprise me to see another government shutdown.

[Ozymanithrax]

9. The word compromise is a perfectly good word and act.

Our government as created by our founding fathers requires compromise.

If no cone compromises, the government collapses. Refusal to compromise will lead to a Constitutional Crises, because there is no remedy in the Constitution for part of the government refusing to work.

[DJ13]

10. Compromise = Surrender

[Little Star]

11. Their definition of compromise is not the same as ours.

They think it's a one way street with us doing all the giving.

[bemildred]

12. Lies and misdirection are always appropriate in US politics. nt

[dbonds]

13. You always ask more for more than you want at the start of negotiations.