No. of Recommendations: 1
The Republicans didn't pull the football away. From the start of this dispute, they have always taken the position of requiring passage of a clean C.R., and only after that would they be willing to negotiate on substantive budgetary issues.
What are the incentives for Republicans to negotiate after a clean CR? I don't see any. By passing a clean CR you have completely lost any negotiation leverage you have. It shouldn't even sound right to you - first, cave and let us have what we want, - then, if we feel like it, we'll negotiate. You're an odds guy, if you were playing poker, this would be- show us your cards, then we'll bet.
