How does he do it?

Somehow despite his low approval ratings (though I remind the reader of Congress' even lower 22% approval-ouch), the President still has some sway from the Oval office.

"With Democrats beginning to give in to the White House on energy and spending bills, and with their hopes of expanding a popular children’s health program all but dashed, President Bush has scored three political victories this week on Capitol Hill."

How in heaven could this be?

"...Independent analysts, Democrats and even some Republicans say that by distancing himself from Congress instead of diving into the hard work of negotiations, Mr. Bush has deepened the already deep divide between himself and lawmakers, making compromise on other matters, like his long-sought domestic surveillance bill, more difficult."

I say keep your distance, Mr. President.

"On children’s health insurance, Mr. Bush has twice vetoed legislation sought by Democrats, arguing that their bill was a move toward socialized medicine. On energy, he forced Democrats to abandon a significant tax increase on the oil industry and a requirement that electric utilities use renewable resources."

I'd rather the President forego the "bossom buddy" bonding ritual and use his veto pen on a Congress that's trying to force universal health care or socialized medicine on the American people.