...meaning they don't! They're so used to hearing their own talking points and are so "convinced" they are right on every issue that the concept of negotiation is shown as a sign of weakness. So they end up with the "my way or the highway" position that any negotiator knows is a sure recipe for a breakdown and/or ultimate failure.
We're seeing the usual rushpublican poutrage when they don't get their way. They were no even willing to take $10s in cuts for every $1 increase in taxes. President Obama has the offer on the table now...if they don't come back with a REASONABLE counter (not the same shit they always peddle) then they will take the hit. The President has played this game well so far...if the rushpublicans refuse the offer and don't come back with something reasonable, they will take a big hit in the polls. Inversely, there are still a lot of teabaggers who would rather see the country go to hell just to "prove a point" (which, of course, is they're selfish assholes).
Unfortunately there are those on this side of the sandbox who don't understand negotiation or compromise either and the second a deal is reached (assuming one is reached), we'll hear all about how President Obama has sold us all out. Such is how it goes in the collective bargaining process...the best deal sometimes tends to be the one that pisses people off more than they are happy with...