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SHARP ELBOWS

Good. From Political Animal Steve Benen:

President Obama listened to Republican gripes about his stimulus package during a meeting with congressional leaders Friday morning -- but he also left no doubt about who's in charge of these negotiations. "I won," Obama noted matter-of-factly, according to sources familiar with the conversation.

In context, Senate Minority Whip Jon Kyl (R-Ariz.) told the president that the Democratic plan to give a tax credit to those who don't pay income taxes isn't a tax cut, but rather, a check. Obama responded that this was a common point of debate during the presidential campaign -- McCain/Palin called Obama's plan "welfare" -- and voters were not swayed by Republican arguments. "I won," Obama told lawmakers.

I am glad that he is keeping things simple. No pissing contest. No real dialogue. A line drawn in the sand.

Negotiation does not involve giving in and compromising around your hard positions. And, apparently, he knows that very well.

Applause.

And some people thought he would be wishy washy.

Not that he didn't forewarn them. This is from an early interview.

Labels: Administration Obama