Under severe criticism, even from his friends in the mainstream media, President Obama called for a bi-partisan meeting on healthcare this week and offered to open the entire meeting to TV cameras.

Is this a real attempt at bi-partisan action? Only time will tell.

If he accepts GOP proposals on meaningful tort reform and purchasing health insurance across state lines, then this effort may just work. The President has not been willing to bend in the past so chances are slim.

Obama's approach to bi-partisanship is strange. He likes to talk about it and call for it. Yet on the same day he proposed this meeting, his own counter terrorism chief, John Brennan, had an op-ed piece in USA Today questioning the patriotism of anyone criticizing the administration's actions regarding terrorism.

In fact, rather than trying to build consensus, the Obama White House has been in attack mode for over a year. They have demonized the Supreme Court, doctors, insurance companies, Las Vegas, Wall Street, Tea Party activists, Fox News, private plane users, cops (for acting 'stupidly'), Scott Brown's pickup truck, families earning over $250.000.00, GOP leadership and any action or person even associated with George W. Bush.

How is this all working out for Obama?

His polls are at an all time low. One poll looking at the 2010 elections shows the all important Independent vote favoring Republicans over Democrats 48- 35%. Over 70% in one poll want everyone voted out – not good for the majority party. Cops are mad. Independents have turned against Obama. The Mayor of Las Vegas has said Obama is no longer welcome there. One hedge fund executive, who had enthusiastically supported Obama, when called by the White House about a fundraising event politely said "No, and don't ever call me again." Scott Brown won and moderate Democrats, led by Senator Evan Bayh, are jumping ship.

It hasn't only been bipartisanship that Obama has needed. It is also support in his own party. He has had controlling margins in both the House and Senate and still has not been able to pass his major legislation.

Contrast this with 2001 when Republicans held a mere 51 Senate seats and still managed to pass "No Child Left Behind" and the Bush Tax Cuts.

The Obama slash and burn tactics that worked in the campaign have just not worked in the White House where you need to offer leadership and govern by consensus. That's why Obama supporter, former Virginia Governor Douglas Wilder, has called on Obama to ditch the campaign team surrounding him at the White House and replace it with people who know how to govern.

Instead, Reid led a shameful effort of arm twisting and deal cutting behind closed doors. There was the "Louisiana Purchase", the "Arkansas Sell Out" and to get Nebraska on board, there was the "Corn Husker Kick Back". Those deals, to exempt these States from paying billions of dollars under the healthcare legislation, made many wonder why, if it was such a great program, they would want to be exempted.

Then there was the deal with the Unions. Crafted by the White House despite Obama's promise to do away with 'Sweetheart Deals" with lobbyists, he made just such a deal with one of the most powerful lobbying groups in Washington.

It is estimated that Unions spent more than $500 million in the 2008 elections supporting Obama and other democrats.

So, if you want a good deal from this healthcare legislation, all you have to do is join a Union, cozy up to Pelosi, give Reid a political contribution, take your AARP card and move to Nebraska.

Is it any wonder that there is populist anger in this country? Americans don't like the process or policies coming out of Washington. A recent poll shows 62% think our country is headed in the wrong direction. But, change is coming. The vast silent majority is finding its voice. The first signs of the pendulum swinging were in Virginia and New Jersey and dramatically, last week in Massachusetts. The next could be the defeat of Harry Reid, now running 10% behind in his re-election bid in Nevada.