More generally, there has been a sense among some liberal interest groups that their concerns are decidedly second-tier. Labor groups worry that “card-check” legislation that would make it easier for workers to form unions has stalled; and the lesbian and gay lobby suspects that repeal of the “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy in the military has been postponed.

In stark contrast to 1993 (Bill Clinton’s first year as president), the factions within the Democratic Party are keeping their disagreements pretty quiet for now. People grasp that in this moment of high political capital, when they are up against a GOP that is becoming increasingly forceful in opposition, Democrats must prove this year that they can pass legislation that will fix the country’s problems. And there was a confidence in their ability to do so that surprised me.