As far as televising negotiations, Barack Obama really doesn’t have the authority to promise such a thing. It made a great sound byte, but in the end, it was just another empty promise. With that said, he could have at least publicly expressed a desire to have a more open process. It probably wouldn’t have accomplished much, but at least it would have made him appear consistent and show that he cares about transparency. As for the tax on health plans, that’s another story.

Barack Obama stated often that he wouldn’t raise taxes on the middle class, yet he intends to do just that. Many, including labor unions, oppose an attempt to tax high-end plans. If this provision passes, middle class Americans will be paying substantially more for their health care. Throw in the cap-and-trade (tax) bill, and you have yet another instance of the middle class getting slammed.

With these broken promises, Obama continues to hurt himself. As his supporters grow disillusioned, his political capital will evaporate, and those in Congress will find it easier to oppose his plans. Of course, any failures by Obama and the Democrats will be blamed on the Republicans, but this criticism will ring hollow. With control of both chambers and the Presidency, Democrats alone will own their failures.