They might as well get it over with and drink the hemlock if they do.
Letter to a whiny young Democrat
Those among us who are somewhat politically astute need no reminders of the complexities of governance and the difficulties of having one's way in Washington (though I personally think opportunities Democrats had to hold firmer on their goals had been squandered a few times too many).
The point of my response was that the subtleties of politics are lost on the general populace if you're aren't too good at making that connection with your constituency, a connection sometimes made by taking a firmer position on principle, even if one has to step back somewhat in actual practice.
Republicans do it all the time. Why do you think they couch their ideas in simplistic terms that connect with people who aren't even benefited in any way shape or form by their policies... all that noise about the budget, about pet projects, suddenly forgotten now that they can have their way?
Sad fact is, the "genius" of any man is lost on his constituency if he fails to make the connection with them, which is apparently the problem here, since all of Obama's accomplishments cited in your linked article (and also cited by me on numerous occasions) have failed to translate into energizing his base of support.
Perception is much, if not everything. And if the current perception among Obama's constituency is that he's given up too much to the Republicans, then who's fault is that?
Theoretical disillusionment over some desire to reach "liberal nirvana"? (Who among us ever really expected that??) Unrealistic expectations of young activists? Spiteful laziness?
Or maybe the frustration of a people typically assumed to be a foregone conclusion...Whatever.
The effect is still the same.