Bring back the jedi master!

I don't know if it's the bubble of the Presidency, or just poor advisors, but the Obama folks really seem to have lost their ability to judge what's going on, particularly where modern Republican "negotiation" strategies are concerned, with the result that they're failing to step up the pressure/rhetoric either in the media or behind closed doors. I'm not just worried about our national credit rating; I'm afraid they won't wake up until they've given away the store.

Perhaps some wake-up call can be had from watching Governor Christie in New Jersey essentially rape the state legislators who'd been bargaining in good faith on the budget there. The rules have changed, kids; there's no more trust and compromise to be had, only leverage and positioning!

Update: Quote of the day, on this:

"I'll take [Boehner/Cantor/Lannisters/Littlefinger] at his word!" I just realized: Obama negotiates like Ned Stark. Now, winter is coming.

- Kevin Murphy (kcm74 on Twitter)

Holy crap! Apt, and not at all funny...
(RT'd by Medley)