If this gets him to a DADT vote and a START vote, the calculus will look different in the rearview mirror. I don’t like the deal, but i find the arguments persuasive that even if the rates need to up that now is not the time. Given the fragility of the Democratic senate and how DADT and START are hanging by a thread, a deal makes sense. If he gets both DADT or START through (very uncertain at this point), it will be amazing; if he gets one through that will be good. I hope he extracted an agreement to hold votes on those issues; i think he senses that it is now or never (at least the foreseeable future) on both of those issues. Given that the senate wouldn’t pass the house plan, I understand the President’s logic.