Okay, consider how many prominent Republicans chided Mitt Romney for suggesting President Obama bribed voters with gifts. Then consider how Rush Limbaugh called this the "Obamaclaus" strategy. Now read this piece. What card does Obama play? Republicans are the Grinch who would steal Christmas:

President Obama returned to campaign mode on Monday – casting Republicans as against the middle class by saying their failure to accept his offer for a limited extension of tax breaks will essentially ruin Christmas for consumers and retailers.

Obama laid out his case in an open letter that starts by underscoring its timing -- coming on one of the busiest shopping days of the year, Cyber Monday, in which consumers take advantage of online bargains.

“Stop holding the middle class and our economy hostage over a disagreement on tax cuts,” the letter states, as Congress returns to Washington this week to try to reach a deal that would avert the $500 billion mix of tax increases and budget cuts set to take effect in early January.

That "holding the middle class hostage" routine is why Republicans are talking compromise. They're convinced that's a fight they can't win. I realize Obama has a willing accomplice in the media here, but the truth is Republicans have struggled the last four years to stand up to his Chicago style political thuggery.