He wooed Senate Republicans on a budget deal, tried to sweet-talk lawmakers from both parties to back him on a military strike against Syria, and is now hoping to reach an agreement that would keep the government from shutting down or defaulting on its debt.
But when it comes to Congressional outreach, President Obama will only go so far.
Lawmakers on Capitol Hill received a blast e-mail on Wednesday evening that was curt and blunt:
Good evening,
The 2013 Congressional Picnic has been cancelled. The president and Mrs. Obama look forward to welcoming members of Congress and their immediate families at the Congressional Holiday Ball in December. More details regarding the Congressional Holiday Ball will follow at a later date.
Thank you,
White House Office of Legislative Affairs
The Congressional picnic, which had been scheduled for a week from Wednesday, is a lavish affair, with glad-handing and backslapping accompanied by live music. It is a moment when even the Louie Gohmerts of the world can put down their swords and fraternize with the enemy.
Not this year. In June, the picnic was postponed because of scheduling conflicts. This time, it was canceled because White House officials thought Congress would be consumed in the fight over a resolution authorizing military force in Syria.
One perk is still on offer: Members of Congress will be able to bring family members to the holiday party, which is usually open to lawmakers only.
Representative Justin Amash, Republican of Michigan and a thorn in the president’s side on national security issues, took to his well-used social media accounts to make a dig at the White House. “Congress cancels his war,†he wrote on Twitter. “He cancels our BBQ.â€
