with us today, michael duffy, andrea mitchell, the "new york times" helene cooper and the "washington post" david ignatius. first up, it's a december to remember. the president cut what he called the best possible deal on taxes. jobless benefits, the works. he has shown disdain for those who are resisting his decision. >> take a tally. look at what i promised during the campaign. there is not a single thing that i said that i would not do that i not either done or tried to do. chris: michael, i hav'ten seen him like this, eyes wide open addressing his critics head on. >> pointing the finger in case you missed the point. the liberal part of the obama presidency is probably over. he is moving into a totally different phase here. he is doing it because he has to. unemployment numbers were rising again. his popularity was beginning to dip into the low 40's. he cuts this dramatic deal with republicans on a tax cut, he gets a much bigger second stimulus, bigger than the first stimulus with the democrats. chris: yes. >> he gets it at a time that is perfect if you're running for re-election w