Stalemate on C-span 3

In the aftermath of the recent Greg Norman/Chris Evert marital separation, an article quoted a 'friend' of the couple. The friend commented that both Greg and Chris are narcissists and there is really only room for one in a marriage. Where would we be without our friends?

After watching six hours of health care hell on Thursday, I realized that the 'friend' may have some special insight into doomed relationships. The health care summit meeting was a rehearsal dinner for a bipartisan wedding that the republican and democratic narcissists were hell-bent to sabotage.

President Obama is not one to shoot himself in the foot. Yet, he chose to unveil his own health care proposal just three days prior to this meeting and a year into the debate. Facing a potential impasse with Democrats in the House, the Presidents alternative expensed out at 950 billion dollars, exceeding the current House bill by 150 billion dollars. This package is the antithesis of compromise and a bad strategy for appealing to Republicans. The president seemed intent on taunting the opposition, not romancing them.

On Thursday, his performance was calculated and his demeanor condescending. His opening remarks were reminiscent of his State of the Union speech, when he adopted the tone of a father expressing profound disappointment with his children. His impatience was palpable and his chiding of John McCain was especially awkward given the difference in their ages. The president came off as thin-skinned and disrespectful.

Whe Mr. Obama reminded Senator McConnell that he was the president (accounting for the disparity in minutes allotted to each side), he degraded the the advantage that is inherently his. It's the president's show and he makes the rules. Everyone knows it and no one disputes it. But no one talks about the elephant in the room, especially the elephant. Tactically, the president should have left the moderating to someone else.

The president also surrounded himself with Team Narcissus, Senator Reid whose arrogance is really grating. Speaker Pelosi, whose arrogance is unwarranted and Vice-President Biden, whose self-reverence is incomprehensible. Some Democrats like Secretary Sebelius acquitted themselves well but the damage was already done.

Given all the social missteps by the Democrats, you would think the Republicans would just shut up and collect a moral victory. Guess again. Boehner, McConnell and McCain all had mildly petulant moments. One could argue that the Republicans won the spin cycle, but only if you think that whiny trumps snarky.

Surprisingly, both the President and the Republicans demonstrated a command of the issues that far exceeded the public's expectations. The president was prepared and articulate, especially when addressing insurance purchases across state lines. Dr. Tom Coburn was good and Paul Ryan was informed, cogent and prepared. Unfortunately, their good moments were dwarfed by the self-absorption and pettiness that permeate political events.

Politicians are quick to cite poll results to enlist support for everything from insurance reform to capital punishment. The voters want to see some adults in the room. I don't need a poll to know that.