Forecast is More Gridlock

“What can actually get done over the next two years? Even if you didn’t get your hopes up, you should still lower them… the reality is that the case for a productive two years collapses as soon as you dig into the details,” Politico reports.

“McConnell’s aides are frustrated at the lack of movement they see from Obama after the election-night wipeout. They say he’s still stuck in the same battle lines with the GOP that make deals on tax reform and infrastructure less likely. White House officials say the president will keep making the same case he’s already made for his tax reform and infrastructure ideas, and believe Republicans will eventually have to give ground on a minimum wage hike now that voters in four states approved increases Tuesday.”

“Even trade, perhaps the best bet of all for common ground, won’t be as easy as both sides say it is. That’s because so many Senate Democrats are opposed to it that Obama would have to lean on some of them for their votes — something he hasn’t done yet.”