Politico reports that the current Fiscal Cliff Staircase negotiations are really between Obama and Boehner:
“The participants in the staff meetings this week showed where the power centers are in the negotiation — Rob Nabors, the White House’s chief legislative liaison, has been huddling with Boehner’s top aides. Missing were representatives for Reid, Pelosi and McConnell.”
This makes sense, since the bottom line is what you can get through the GOP House. The Senate isn’t really an issue, and Obama doesn’t need Reid and Pelosi sticking their fingers in his pie.
Read more: http://www.politico.com/news/stories/1112/84116_Page2.html#ixzz2Csk3Ar83
Embattled Farmers 
This makes me feel better. I’m glad it’s not Ryan or Cantor. Maybe Boehner and Obama can actually work a real deal.