CHUCK SCHUMER vs. Barack Obama. “The relationship between Schumer and Obama, arguably the Democratic Party’s two most influential message strategists, has become so strained both sides are working to patch things up for fear it could hinder Democrats in the face of a strengthened and determined GOP opposition.” Plus, a report that White House staff “have long viewed Schumer as a talented but essentially self-promotional operator with no abiding loyalty to Obama.” Pretty much. Or to anyone else.

UPDATE: L.A. Times: Is the Obama tax cut deal with Republicans fraying out of control already?