Three things led us to this moment. Only the first of them is immutable:
(#1) The implacable, undying, irrational, and absolute opposition of the Republican party;
(#2) The tendency, admirable but ultimately self-defeating thanks to #1, of Democrats to seek compromise in the pursuit of their goals;
(#3) The tendency, contradictory but equally self-defeating, of Democrats to turn their backs on any legislation that does not perfectly realize their ideals.
We can't do anything about #1, but we can damn well work on #2 and #3.
As far as #2 goes, let's stop bidding low and caving before the cards are even on the table. Republicans don't really exist as a party anymore; they're just a weight that can't be removed from around our ankle.
As far as #3 goes, let's stop pretending that Obama is king. He can't just decree that the Senate do his bidding. Harry Reid can't actually make Ben Nelson or Joe Stupak do what they're supposed to do, let alone Lieberman. (But let's take care of the bastards in the ballotbox when their jig comes around again.)
If Shoe #2 fits your foot, try going barefoot for a while to toughen up your feet. And if you're feeling in the mood for consensus, remember: there's nobody home on the other side of the aisle.
If Shoe #3 fits your foot, try not stamping it in frustration---all it does is rattle the floorboards. If you're feeling burned, remember: if your philosophy is All or Nothing, expect to get Nothing pretty much every time.