THE HILL: House Democrats are projecting a sense of unity with the White House, but President Obama’s appearance here Friday at their annual retreat will be his first collective meeting with the caucus since lawmakers roundly rebuked his tax cut deal last month.
The public tensions have cooled considerably, helped by a productive lame-duck session and gratitude Democrats have expressed for Obama’s response to the shooting of their colleague, Rep. Gabrielle Giffords (D-Ariz.).
Yet a more interactive format for the president’s visit, in which he will greet members personally rather than deliver a formal speech, will give lawmakers an opportunity to give Obama their two cents about the direction of his administration…. (more)
