THE HILL WILL HAVE TO COME TO HIM:

Bush expected to hold firm on main policy issues: No compromise seen on Iraq, stem cell funding (Susan Milligan, January 23, 2007, Boston Globe)

[W]hile Bush's rhetoric appears more conciliatory now that he faces a Democratic-controlled Congress for the first time in his tenure, the president has shown no sign of compromising on the substance of his domestic or foreign policy goals, according to lawmakers in both parties who have had discussions with the White House.

As administration officials are reaching out to the new majority, the president has made it clear he will not give in on his strategy to send a "surge" of 21,500 more troops to Iraq, despite a skeptical American public and bipartisan opposition to the idea on Capitol Hill. Bush has said he will veto a bill easing federal funding for stem cell research if it reaches his desk, and he has issued a negative assessment of a House-passed bill that would cut the interest rates on student loans.

On the issues of healthcare and global warming , which are expected to be central themes of Bush's domestic policy agenda tonight, the White House has indicated no willingness to move closer to the approaches favored by the Democratic leadership. Democrats want mandatory limits on fossil fuel emissions and expanded employer-based health insurance.

Democrats having stalled out before their 100 hours was even up, what incentive can the President have to yield to them?

Posted by Orrin Judd at January 23, 2007 12:00 AM