The White House is pressing its advantage. On some issues, there are going to be many votes. On some issues, the votes may be narrower. The American people seem to like what they're seeing. And a majority gives Bush credit for improving the tone of politics in Washington today.
Democratic leaders have a big problem.
To be players in the political process, and not just Monday-morning quarterbacks, they have to get on the playing field. That means being willing to cut deals with Bush. On an issue like the patients' bill of rights, it means negotiating with the President over caps on legal judgments against unresponsive HMOs. On an issue like Medicare reform, it means talking turkey about serious systemic reforms, not just adding another prescription-drug entitlement to a fiscally shaky program. By cutting deals with Bush, the Democrats would only make the President and GOP Hill leaders look more effective.