The Reality-Based Community, Part N

We are told that this budget battle was a decisive victory for Republicans. And I'll admit, the policy aspect of it kinda sucked. But the politics? Well, let's see: a new poll says that Democrats approve of the budget deal by 38 net points while Republicans disapprove by 2, 48-35 people give Obama credit for the deal's having been reached and shutdown's having been averted, Obama sports a +9 approval rating for handling the budget battle compared to -10 for leaders in Congress, and while 25% think the Republicans gave away too much just 18% say the same of Obama. That looks to me like the President came out of this smelling like a rose, even if on the substance he might've been dragged through a few thorny bushes.