The news of a first bipartisan brainstorming session on Tuesday reflects a dramatic shift in White House strategy and substance according to the New York Times. But, after a year of one-party rule, secret sessions, and political pay-offs in return for legislative votes, it is highly unlikely that the proclaimed change will transform politics and policy-making in Washington.

The President’s motivation to announce this change is easy to explain. He appears to be adjusting his leadership stance so he can successfully advance health care reform. Confrontation and exclusion have not worked for Barack Obama.  Is the new “bipartisan” face real or a political set-up to pass Obama Care? And will the “shift” save this presidency? Continue reading…

If the product is flawed, what can we say about the leadership that produced it?

When selling a successful idea, the most capable marketers rarely market the facts, says marketing guru Seth Godin. They present stories that match the worldview of the people in their audience. 

Elected officials often take the same approach, using stories and interesting twists to hide the facts, especially when facts are controversial.

Although the majority of Americans are strongly against passing the health care bill, David Axelrod, the President’s closest advisor, said it would be popular once people learned more about it.  Continue reading…