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President Donald Trump considers himself a savvy negotiator, author of "The Art of the Deal," a man who can find ways to bring about desired ends and "win-win" situations.
He's finding political dealmaking is very different from business negotiations. His attempt on Saturday to negotiate an immigration bargain to end the government shutdown was met by a firm "No" from the masster of the "Art of the No Deal," House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.
Trump offered to extend temporary protections for the "dreamers," young people who were brought illegally to this country as children and who have known no other home. He would also extend protections for those with temporary protected status after fleeing countries affected by natural disasters or violence. In exchange, Trump wants the $5.7 billion for his border wall.
Pelosi said no even before the president announced his offer. She said it was made up of previously rejected offers, and "was not bargaining in good faith." She and the Democrats in Congress want the shutdown to end, then they'll talk about immigration and the wall.
In a real negotiation, Pelosi and the Democrats would make a counter offer, letting the president know what it would take for them to approve the funding for the border that the president seeks. The lack of any such negotiation indicates the Democrats already have what they want -- a president who is frustrated about not being able to deliver his big campaign promise, and who is losing approval ratings every day the government shutdown continues.