It is clear that the Democratic Congressional majority is setting the domestic legislative agenda now. Listen to any of the President's recent speeches and it is clear that he is following rather than leading on domestic policy. His focus has been on core Democratic issues: energy independence, executive compensation, global warming, health care, and immigration. So far, his conciliatory tone and rhetoric has gotten him little.

As a Republican, I am willing to give him a little leeway in this department. His approval numbers are terrible and he needs to get them up in order to improve both his legacy and the possibility of the Republicans retaining the White House in 2008 and the Republicans chances of taking back Congress. Obviously, Iraq will play a larger role than domestic policy, but nonetheless it is important to show that he can get legislation passed.

However, the President should remember that there is a difference between triangulation and capitulation. Bill Clinton succeeded in triangulating by presenting himself (fairly or unfairly) as a more moderate alternative to the more extreme Republican-controlled Congress. The President should be flexible but not too flexible in dealing with the Democratic (not Democrat:-)) Congress.