Deciphering Obama’s chemistry with Congress

WASHINGTON - He hardly ever calls. When he does, it's all business.

And that's President Barack Obama's vibe with top Democrats on Capitol Hill.

With Republicans, there's even less chemistry.

But GOP congressional leaders don't show much inclination to buddy up to the president, either.

When the president sits down with eight top legislators -- four from each party -- at the White House on Tuesday, there's little expectation it will usher in a new era of comity and cooperation.

Republican leaders will head to the White House already peeved with the president for his recent veto threats and go-it-alone policy moves. Democratic leaders, now in the minority party in both chambers, will find themselves less relevant.

The White House is waving off any notion that the meeting is the start of a new congressional charm offensive.

"For anyone craning to hear the conversation through the walls, I wouldn't expect a lot of laughter," says Jim Manley, a former aide to Senate Democratic leader Harry Reid of Nevada. "It's not the funniest group of people you've ever put together."

Three thoughts on how Obama gets along with top Republicans and Democrats in Congress, and how much it matters.

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Deciphering Obama's chemistry with Congress