Sargent's post is well worth a read:
Obama framed that choice as one between GOP adherence to free market and anti-tax fundamentalism on one side, and concerted government action to rebuild the middle class on the other. Crucially, he said the main obstacle to progress on the deficit and on jobs legislation is GOP opposition to raising taxes on the wealthy. "It’s the biggest source of gridlock in Washington today — and the only thing that can break the stalemate is you."
Yes, it was framing debt reduction and stimulus as equally blocked by a GOP stuck in old ideas that makes this argument more geared toward independents. And more powerful for an incumbent in tough times. It's based on this basic polling truth:
While the Republican base is calling on its leaders to stand firm, key swing voters send a very different message — with 66 percent of independents saying they want GOP leaders in the House and Senate to compromise.
The Dish 