A compromise on the tax deal was reached relatively quickly, but this is not necessarily a preview of what’s to come next year.

Next year’s agenda will not have time stamp on it like the tax hike in January did.  The speed with which we saw an agreement reached is not something we’ll see when we go to tackle the really complex issues such as Social Security and Medicare – if they are even brought to the table.

This was the time for the President to show he could work with Republicans and visa-versa, but both sides are already talking about getting tougher next year.