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Disappointment
about President Barack Obama within his own Democratic Party recently
burst into open with public bitterness that he is too weak and yielding.

“If you don’t fight
for something, you can’t expect to get it,” said Democratic Congressman
Anthony Weiner. “I don’t think you should expect Democrats to be happy
about it.” What they’re unhappy about is a deal that will see temporary
tax cuts enacted under President George Bush extended for all
Americans, even the most affluent.

Mr Obama had argued
emphatically against the extension for the rich, describing it as a
$700-billion giveaway to people who don’t need it from a government
that can’t afford it.

But Congressional
Republicans said they would block any partial extension and, with just
weeks to go before all Americans’ tax cuts elapse at the end of the
year, Mr Obama traded the full extension for Republican support for tax
and spending measures to help the poor and unemployed.

Mr Obama says it was the best deal he could get. Many Democrats say he has to toughen up and demand better deals.

Jonathan Mann
presents Political Mann on CNN International each Friday at 18:30
(CAT), Saturday at 3pm and 9pm (CAT), and Sunday at 10am (CAT).