http://www.washingto...iate-with-myself/

That’s what you’re really seeing in this “proposal.” Previously, Obama’s pattern had been to offer plans that roughly tracked where he thought the compromise should end up. The White House’s belief was that by being solicitous in their policy proposals, they would win goodwill on the other side, and even if they didn’t, the media would side with them, realizing they’d sought compromise and been rebuffed. They don’t believe that anymore.

The Republicans are upset that Obama has essentially put forth a Democratic party proposal. They don't want to have to put their own proposals in writing because they know that it isn't going to be popular, plus they prefer that Obama start half way so that when they compromise it ends up 75% of the way to the GOP position.

Jay