This is a very simplistic question.

I left it "open" on purpose I think it certainly is a valid question.

because it does depend on the issue, and the compromise on the table.

Often the "compromise" involves regressing on an important issue to gain "progress" on another issue, or another facet of the same issue. If compromise were always "half a loaf" sure that would be great. But what you have to give up to get that half loaf is the loaded question.

It might work....a little maybe....sometimes.....?

in that place where the questions actually have some specific meaning.

But talking cost less than fighting.

Try that first.

Compromise or stand firm on principle on what? It makes a difference.

For the most part.

Why did you leave out?:

Stand firm and get things done.

When one group (GOP) refuses to, then both groups lose that ability. So saying we should compromise would work IF both parties agree...at this time one party (GOP) refuses to work together on any policy.

So since we cannot compromise due to the other party, we must do something else instead.

Nothing.

The ACA is one of the signature achievements of Obama's presidency but was certainly a compromise.