I Know How The Lame Duck Sings

In 69 days he'll be president. For now, Obama is caught in the awkward place between Cap Hill and the WH. But if he's uncomfortable in his role, he's not showing it.

-- As Paulson takes questions from the press and Pres. Bush gets ready for the weekend's int'l economic summit, Obama has no public events scheduled. As was his instinct during the bailout talks earlier this fall, Obama has shown little desire to insert himself into the current battle over the stimulus package. And why would he? He's got sky-high approval ratings and a mandate for "change." Why risk using up that capital now?

-- Even so, much of what Congress may pass next week could also tie his hands come 1/20, which is why his team is working behind the scenes with Dem leaders. Was the leaked "private" conversation w/Bush over the Columbia trade deal Obama's way of getting Bush to tip his hand to Pelosi & Co.?

-- Obama does, however, have a vested interest in making sure this lame-duck session doesn't turn out to be, well, lame. While he's not likely to be there for the session, he will inherit its fallout.