<![CDATA[RealClearPolitics - Articles by Laura Meckler & Patrick O'Connor]]>http://www.realclearpolitics.com/authors/?id=22557Author <![CDATA[Behind the Scenes, Angry Meetings, Near Deals]]> Sat, 09 Apr 2011 00:00:00 -0500 Meeting with his Republican caucus Wednesday, House Speaker John Boehner laid out his strategy for budget talks with the White House. As rank-and-file members expressed their support, Mr. Boehner teared up, and the room erupted in a standing ovation.

That moment, three days before the government was scheduled to shut down, helped turn the tide toward a deal after a tumultuous three weeks of drama. The backing of Mr. Boehner's restive caucus, whose commitment to an agreement had been uncertain, sent the speaker a message that Republican lawmakers trusted him to cut a deal.

View Full Image

A VA Medical Center in Los Angeles prepared for a shutdown as...]]>