I'm hopeful Barack Obama understands that if during his first year in the White House he reverses global warming, finds the cure for cancer, brings permanent peace to the Middle East, and increases the standard of living of every American by 5000%, right wing republicans in Congress are still going to try to undermine his presidency, obstruct his policies, and claim he's doing a lousy job.

In short, NO MATTER WHAT DEMOCRATS DO, REPUBLICANS WILL OBSTRUCT.

Therefore it is incumbent upon Democrats to simply pass the legislation and use their huge majorities to get things done and only reach out to Republicans who want to genuinely be reached out to. Don't play their games.

Additionally, if there are Republicans who are going to play games and obstruct, then you play hardball with them. You cut off every pork project of theirs and give them nothing.