When you are a congressman it is easier to make feel good votes then votes that will solve issues. Once you become president you have accountability. You need to make policy that will actually help situations. Obama knows tax cuts work. He knows Bush had a sensible foreign policy. He knows Clinton and his aides governed center-right and it was successful. Obama knows 85% of people believe in God. Obama knows the left believe more in symbolism then substance. Obama knows the left will always support him no matter how much he tramples on their princples. Bottom line Obama knows the left really have no answers and this is why he has rejected what they stand for
I'm comforted by the fact that Pelosi and Reid are feeling marginalized as it suggests that some wingnuts will soon be feeling the same way.