The pattern for Obama's initiatives:

Step 1: raise hopes for big "fill in the blank" change

Step 2: watch reality step in with facts and show how big "fill in the blank" change can't happen

Step 3: White House and media spin doctors blame Republicans

Step 4: White House works overtime to get media to stop talking about big "fill in the blank" change

Step 5: hear Democrats question White House strategy and start talking about Hillary 2016