Trying out the anti-GOP narratives for 2010

I'm guessing the polling and focus groups came back from Obama's combative appearance at the House GOP retreat,

The White House’s goal is to show voters that Mr. Obama is willing to engage Republicans rather than govern in a partisan manner while forcing Republicans to make substantive compromises or be portrayed as obstructionist given their renewed power to block almost all legislation in the Senate.

I think the idea may be to pressurize the Republican primary season, to pinch the moderates who face "conservative" challengers and tear at the centrist/tea party rift. The national folks will also be pressed in their endorsements.

I think these are the lessons of the NY-23, Virginia and NJ Gov, and Ma-Sen special elections. The Republicans who were allowed to float between centrist tea party without challenge, had a much easier go.