Oh the debt ceiling.
Whatever your feelings about it we all want better outcomes the next time. But it seems that the game is played the same way every time which gets us similar outcomes.
Adam McKay tweeted this morning
Using Obama's negotiating method with my six year old. She gets 20 gallons of choco syrup, American Girl Doll. I get her not crying.
I wrote in my totally non-political blog just today about the power of leaning into obstacles as it regards children but more generally as well.
The common thought is that we dont like obstacles so we must avoid them or destroy them.
In my blog post a woman came to me frustrated that her children eat incredibly quickly and take huge, huge bites. She despairs and fights with them but to no avail.
I offered her the possibility of leaning into and raising her perceived obstacle so that she can see it in a new way.
The outcome is quite charming.
So with that method in mind I offer a thought experiment.
Obama sees how difficult and recalcitrant the Republicans are on every level. So instead of these silly negotiations Obama decides to say that he has seen the wisdom of the Republican world view and is changing parties - becoming officially a Republican. Though his policies might not actually change very much.
This throws the Republican party into a tizzy. "Can we trust him? and "What happens to our nominating process?" Rick Perry, Bachmann, Romney et al are totally screwed by such a move.
The Tea Party members in Congress and in America will be in a fit as well. How do they get past their abundant racism and other charming features with someone who claims to be on their side?
Democrats and Progressives will feel totally betrayed as well and will have to coalesce quickly and forcefully, more than normally because of this totally unheard of change in association, against Obama and do a very fast nomination process of their own and perhaps a new standard bearer might emerge who would make Democrats feel like Democrats.
Obama would be seen as one of the great political traitors, no doubt, but I could see how it could be a brilliant sacrifice to get a better President.
Again...just a thought experiment. What are your thoughts? What are some other ways that the obstacles we have can be leaned into for better outcomes?