How Obama Wins the Shutdown Showdown

Posted on | October 9, 2013 | No Comments

Barack Obama, Jay Carney, Nancy Pelosi, and Harry Reid – all keep repeating the same position, “We will not negotiate with the GOP to end the shutdown” There is no ground whatsoever they are willing to cede.

None.

The House passed a continuing resolution that funded everything, every piece of government spending, with only two conditions: Repeal the Medical Device Tax, and delay the start of the ACA for one year. And the Senate says no way. Obama says he would veto that. Not even going to discuss it.

Here’s the kicker, though.

The Medical Device Tax is universally unpopular. Senators on both sides of the aisle have noted its job killing effects.
Barack Obama already delayed the start of the ACA for businesses (extra-constitutionally BTW) Why would he dig in his heels over a delay for individuals (which would be constitutionally sound BTW)?

Now we know that, despite having 3 years to prepare, the ACA systems are not ready to go. Even late night comedians know it. Jon Stewart knows it. Actual members of the MSM have been forced to make note of it.

Should Barack Obama call up John Boehner and accept that original continuing resolution, he would look like a magnanimous negotiator, a savior of the poor furloughed government workers, and he would lose nothing. Eliminating the Medical Device Tax is a minor compromise, and delaying the ACA for everyone is not only fair – it gives the administration a chance to get their act together. Literally.

Barack Obama comes off as the winner and he gets to claim he saved the day.