A Lot is Riding on Immigration Reform

First Read: “Obama’s early second-term domestic agenda had three planks: 1) gun control, 2) budget, and 3) immigration reform. So to recap where things stand, gun control has been defeated; the budget talks (despite Obama having another dinner with senators tonight) are at a stalemate with no real sign of progress evident anywhere (how did that Chained-CPI offer go?); and immigration is moving through the Senate. If Congress passes immigration reform, this discussion about Obama’s legislative leadership will look like a silly exercise — he will have health care, financial reform, “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” repeal, the fiscal-cliff deal, and immigration trophies on the wall. (Sure, they might have been ugly victories, but a win’s a win, right?) Yet if immigration doesn’t pass, then it will be more than fair to note that Obama was unable to navigate a divided Congress.”

“Bottom line: Judging Obama’s second term, just three months in, is way too early. But make no mistake, a lot is riding on immigration reform.”