Who is playing who?

The liberal blogosphere has been unhappy with President Obama meeting with Republicans.  Many have commented along the lines that I have:  Obama should say, "Fine, if you won't help I will rewrite the bill..."

Others think Obama is playing to a bigger audience.  Even if no Republicans vote for it the American people see him playing it bipartisan and his approval rating goes even higher.

Republicans are seeing this, too.  They are buying insurance by saying they like Obama and can work with him... it's those darn nasty House and Senate Democrats that won't play ball.

It will be interesting to see how the politics (and economics) of this issue play out.