I do not think that there is very much prospect of Obama's attempts at bipartisanship helping push through his legislative agenda - or, indeed, much need for them to do so, given that the Democrats contain both houses.

But Democratic senators and congressmen are up for reelection in 2010, and one of the main talking points in the media will be about "checks and balances" and "one party rule".

It will make a huge difference at that point if it is generally held that the Democrats have tried to be bipartisan and the Republicans have been obstructionist, rather than the Democrats steamrollering the Republicans.

The important thing is not that bipartisanship achieves anything, but that it is seen to have been attempted.