From the looks of it, Obama is about to return to capitulator-in-chief mode again. Disappointment in him contributed to the House losses in 2010. He came off as - hell, he was - a patsy dealing with the Republicans time and again. And people hate weak. They don't want their leaders to be push-overs and saps. Weak is bad for a politician.
But there's something worse than being weak: being a paper tiger. Coming off like a tough guy, ready to stand up to your opponent and then crumble at the first encounter. That's what Obama is doing. He threw his weight around some after the election. Acted firm, drawing lines in the sand on tax cut for the wealthy, among other things, letting everyone know "Not this time."
And now he's caving. Again. Just like he did before. Not willing to take it to the mat. Under the best negotiating position he's had since first elected. With nearly all the cards. With the bully pulpit working away. He folds.
Being a paper tiger is worse than weak. The 2014 elections are looking like a replay of 2010. Obama's Presidency is about to crater and legacy is about to turn sour. And it's too late to walk back the concessions. No saving this. No second and third debate to pull him out in front again.