Obama/ G.O.P. Showdown

Obama has decided to confront Senate Republicans about arms control. This will be his first real test of power now that he has to contend with republicans. Winning will prove his strength while losing will only reinforce the view that he has become weakened. The N.Y. Times reports that

The White House has only one Republican supporter, Senator Richard G. Lugar of Indiana. A survey of 14 other Senate Republicans who were considered possible supporters found none who were willing to publicly back the treaty. Ten of them said they were undecided or were waiting for the same assurances as Mr. Kyl, and four did not respond, suggesting that approval may depend on changing Mr. Kyl’s mind.

This test marks the beginning of the final two years of Obama's presidency. Whether he succeeds or not, the outcome will only show that having differing parties in the senate and in the white house does not create a more balanced government, but rather creates chaos and arguments.