Had It in Holland Park

When we listen to presidential candidates make promises about what they will do if elected, anyone who has worked or lobbied anywhere the US legislature just laughs. They know that the president can't do any of those things. Only congress can pass laws - and they will only pass laws that will bring them a personal benefit and not hurt their re-election chances.

"the White House failed to hold out for more radical measures that the president promised during his soaring election campaign" If the white house wanted to do this, they would be holding out for a long, long, long time.