Obama's stunning turnaround

http://www.cnn.com/2010/OPINION/12/2...ex.html?hpt=T2

How does Dream Act fit into all this? Discuss.

Instead of relying on the Democratic caucus in each chamber to deliver, they built up coalitions of their own that swayed public opinion in their direction and gave them leverage in Congress.

Maybe he will now actually try to persuade the public to support the DA and spread DA awareness throughout US.

On the extension of tax breaks -- along with several other tax breaks the president wanted -- the White House cut a deal with Sen. Mitch McConnell and other Republicans.

Maybe he will cut a deal with the GOP to get the DA passed.

On "don't ask, don't tell," and on START, the White House had a different, but equally formidable, coalition that helped to turn the tide in the president's direction. The fact that Bob Gates -- one of the most respected defense chiefs in history -- and the chair of the Joint Chiefs, along with the poll of service members, came out in favor of repealing DADT made a huge difference in swaying both public opinion and Congress.

Maybe he will use more public figures to speak in favor of DA.

START appeared all but dead until the president assembled a group of Republican heavyweights -- from George H.W. Bush and Kissinger to Baker and Shultz -- whose vocal support for the treaty reversed the momentum.

Maybe he will get some more Republicans to speak in favor of DA and raise more GOP support.

Of course, this would depend on whether he really is determined to get DA passed:

I think Dream Act is dead for CIR is what he said during his press conference. Any legislation will be part of a larger CIR.

Immigration reform needs to be done by both parties. You cannot expect to pass any type of reform solely on the democrats backs and a few republicans. A majority of Republicans and Dems wil be needed and I bet you, Obama will be the guy who gets these 2 sides to unite on this issue.