The Republican Party in it's current Tea Party stage has a stated goal to destroy the US government. They are constantly spreading gas and lighting matches. They can't be bargained with. Stand firm and they will just let it burn.

Will the people see that? Maybe.

But keep in mind that outlets like NPR are reporting the conflict as if it is two sided and that all Obama is concerned with is re-election. Standing firm would have been his best chance at re-election. the economy would have tanked. Financial markets would have collapsed. Pensions would have been obliterated. The GOP would have been blamed. Obama and the Democrats would be elected in a landslide in 2012. With the country, no the whole world, sliding into chaos and the Mayan prophecies coming true.

Obama, Kucinich and maybe Barney Frank are the only adults in the room.

Ron Paul is a nut job. His solution to the financial mess is the gold standard. His solution for health care for the poor is to let hospitals do it for free.