On What Could Have Been

Barring unforeseen backbone stiffening by Dems (our offer of spinal implants still stands), it's becoming increasing clear that the "compromise" on tax cuts being engineered is a two- or three-year extension of all the Bush-era tax cuts. It didn't have to be that way, of course, had Obama and the Democrats played their cards smarter and tougher.

Also, the deficit commission's report is now out, and again it seems Obama and the Democrats are preparing to cede ground to the Rethugs without a whimper. Here are two takes on why better outcomes for Democrats and the nation could have -- but aren't -- going to happen, from Ezra Klein and E.J. Dionne.

(Image: The new Democratic Party symbol?)