Three Republicans and seven Democrats are in a lifeboat. Starving. The Republicans adamantly insist that they immediately begin to cannibalize the Democrats in order to survive. In an effort to reach a bipartisan compromise the Democrats agree to only eat half the Democrats.
What's the point? You can't compromise with people who begin with an unreasonable proposition at the outset. If you do you will end up losing all of your principles. This is certainly true of health care reform. But it is also true of indefinite detention of suspects. Warrantless wiretaps. Or any other morally suspect policy that seems convenient.
President Obama has a long history of drawing people in to reach a consensus, to seriously consider their views and to compromise. I'm sure this practice has served him well throughout his life. I don't think that this practice works when dealing with people who hold extreme views. Just ask Neville Chamberlain.
You can't lead by following. As a leader you must chart a course, establish a moral imperative and encourage others to follow. Sometimes that leadership takes the form of inspiration. At other times, it requires arm twisting.
Teddy Roosevelt was fond of the African expression: "Speak softly and carry a big stick." He has mastered the art of speaking softly. Now he must master the art of using the Big Stick.