When it became evident that Hillary Care would fail, the White House refused to budge or at least move halfway, even though Sens. Moynihan and Dole were all too willing to compromise. On the contrary, Reagan had an economic policy drawn up by his advisors, including Alan Greenspan, as early as September 1980, and presented it in a Pittsburg campaign speech. When he met resistance, Reagan reached out with his charm, respect, and union-practiced negotiating. By August of 1981, Reagan had pushed all his major legislation through Congress, despite the Democratic House.
Presidents can also take the first step for better or worse with the press.
Nixon started out warmly with them, regarding them as yet another enemy over which he didn't have enough control, kicking the White House Press Corps out of the West Wing. This immediately established a separation and tone that positioned the President and press as natural adversaries. When Bob Woodward called to work with the White House in early 1973, hardly anyone would work with the Washington Post and the secrecy around the President became nearly impenetrable. The Reagan White House treated the press corps with trust and respect, allowing them a great deal of access. Clinton began poorly, following the spirit of Nixon in a few ways.