Don't the Republicans Know How to Negotiate? [View all]
The Republicans seemed shocked by President Obama's opening offer. There are no Medicare Benefit cuts or Social Security cuts in it.
No shitting.
I negotiate for a living and let me give you an example of one of the contracts I just did. The company wanted drug testing, we wanted raises in wages and benefits. Going in, I knew that drug testing was on the table. However, I only proposed wage and benefit increases. They countered with no wage increase and no benefit increases, but drug testing. After about 8 weeks of negotiating, we ended up with increases in wages that ranged from 12% to 22% over 3 years and an increase in the employer contribution to health and dental. In addition, the drug testing became a 3 strikes and your out program, with progressive discipline at each step. Step one required counseling paid for by the employer.
The example I use is this. I couldn't propose drug testing, it had to come from the company. I couldn't go back to my members (my base) and say the idea was mine. They put it forward, I amended it and could explain what we received in return for this concession.
If the Republicans want to cut Medicare and Social Security, they have to bring it up. If it comes from the Dems, the Repukes will never let us forget that we suggested it. Obama already said everything is on the table, but the other side has to put it there.
Obama's opening offer is "this is what we want, now tell us what you want".
It's simple negotiations 101.
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