Good Cop, Bad Cop.

Standard negotiation tactic.

President Obama plays the good cop who compromises a bit. He isn't facing reelection and can take a bit of heat as he helps disperse it by moving on other progressive issues.

Congressional Democrats get to play the bad cops who refuse to budge. When reelection comes up, the get to remind us that they stood firm against the Republicans who aren't exactly well liked as a collective.

At least I hope this is what's going on. Unfortunately, considering the last few "negotiations", the Democrats pretty much handed their cards to the Republicans and told them to pick which hand they wanted them to play.