Politics –
Iran Deal Is Obama’s Latest Coup

Last week, President Obama finally received enough votes in the Senate to secure his coveted arms deal with Iran, infuriating Republicans while defining his legacy.  So, exactly how did he do it?

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An aggressive, cooperative strategy between the White House and congressional Democrats was key to Mr. Obama’s eventual success. The united front of Democrats were up against a $20 million-plus Republican campaign aimed at killing the deal, but they proclaimed victory last Wednesday.

THE STRATEGY
Just prior to leaving Washington for their August break, a dozen undecided Senate Democrats met with senior diplomats from Britain, China, France, Germany and Russia. The diplomats delivered America’s lawmakers a stark message: The nuclear agreement they had reached with Iran was the best anyone could expect and the U.S. should get on board. The 5 world powers would not be returning to the negotiating table.

“They basically said unanimously this is as good a deal as you could get and we are moving ahead with it,” recalled Senator Chris Coons of Delaware. “They were clear and strong that we will not join you in re-imposing sanctions.”

That powerful message was enough to solidify Democrats and push them toward their collective decision.

Under the direction of Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi and a team of lieutenants, House Democrats orchestrated a daily roll-out of endorsements of the Iran deal from a Capitol war room, which was hidden in Ms. Pelosi’s office just off the House chamber. They strategically made regular statements that House members were closing ranks behind the agreement and distributed letters of support from colleagues and respected outside experts to undecided Democrats and the news media. They also vigorously pushed back against any reports they believed could threaten the deal.

“There was a plan,” Ms. Pelosi said, acknowledging that memories of the previous summer health care fight were “useful because I could say to people that we have to be proactive because I know the other side will be.”

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The administration also took a proactive role. Administration staff members set up their own West Wing war room at the White House and even created a specific Twitter account (@TheIranDeal) to make their case.  Cabinet members and senior administration officials spoke directly with more than 200 House members and senators. Mr. Obama also spoke personally to about 100 lawmakers, either individually or in small groups.  According to aides, he even called about 30 lawmakers during his August vacation on Martha’s Vineyard.

However, Mr. Obama’s “secret weapon” in selling the deal to lawmakers was Energy Secretary Ernest J. Moniz, a nuclear physicist.  Mr. Moniz stressed that the International Atomic Energy Agency has the necessary technology to catch even the most minute trace amounts of radioactive material, which would expose any cheating on the deal by Iran.

That was all Democrats needed to hear to seal the deal.

Republican opponents of the agreement said they could not remember another recent policy battle where the White House, Ms. Pelosi and congressional Democrats were so driven. They agreed the victory displayed a strong sense of party unity.

OK WASSUP! covers political news. Today’s article:
Iran arms deal secures President Obama’s legacy.