This just came across the wire
Obama challenges Cabinet, sets bipartisan talks
Here is the gist
President Barack Obama sought Thursday to retake the political initiative after a bruising election, inviting Republican and Democratic congressional leaders for talks and challenging his Cabinet to make Washington work better.
"I want us to talk substantively about how we can move the American people's agenda forward," Obama said of the upcoming meeting with lawmakers. "It's not just going to be a photo op."
The Nov. 18 meeting will be closely watched, in particular, for any signs of elusive progress between Obama and his two frequent Republican antagonists, incoming House Speaker-in-Waiting John Boehner and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell. They will be joined by the top Democrats in Congress, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid.
Now I am with most of you in believing the GOP has no interest in compromise or making Washington work better. I do think President Obama needs to use this opportunity to expose the fact that the GOP is not negotiating in good faith or basically trick them into negotiating in good faith. To that end..
1) This meeting should be televised
So if any progress is made, the world will see it.
2) Keep the speeches to a minimum
No more stories about how 'little Jimmy needs a liver transplant'. I don't care...keep it focused on solutions and not on this poltical parlor tricks
3) Bring out a whiteboard/chaulkboard
No, not like Glenn Beck, but more of something to keep track of what has been agreed upon and what is not even close. I would actually have 4 boards ..
#1 Stuff the GOP only wants
#2 Stuff the Dems only want
#3 Stuff both sides are close to agreeing on
#4 Stuff both side are in complete agreement
..and then take the stuff in baord #4 and get a verbal agreement that if those are put in a bill today, we get those passed. Then work on board #3...horse trade...whatever...