WASHINGTON – President Joe Biden spent his Thursday talking to key senators and Democratic leaders in Congress, trying to break an intra-party stalemate that threatens his entire domestic agenda.

Just before midnight, however, it became clear that neither Biden or Democratic leaders in Congress were able to reach a compromise between a group progressive House members, and two moderate Democrats, in the Senate. Each of these senators is refusing vote for the other’s priorities, until they have achieved their goals.

Jen Psaki, White House Press Secretary said that “a great deal has been done this week and we are closer than ever to an agreement.” She made the statement on Thursday. “But, we’re not there yet. So, we’ll need additional time to complete the work. We will start tomorrow morning at the earliest.

Biden’s Friday schedule is still open as it was this week. Psaki stated Thursday that the President is making this change so that he can reach congressional leaders and other key stakeholders throughout the day.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi departed the Capitol at midnight on Friday morning to tell reporters “There will be an election today,” which means Friday.

The postponement of Thursday’s vote was disappointing for White House staffers who had been hoping for a breakthrough. Biden is proud to have outlined his national agenda with the $500 billion infrastructure and jobs package. It fulfills key campaign promises.

However, Thursday’s denial of launch was not really an end to the bill. The bill’s benefits and cost will continue to be felt in America for at least the next decade. It doesn’t matter if it passes the House Friday or Monday, but that is irrelevant.

It’s no wonder that the President has made a concerted effort to focus his attention on Congress this week, considering how high the stakes are. The president hosted Joe Manchin from West Virginia and Kyrsten Synema from Arizona for meetings at the White House.

The scheduled Wednesday presidential visit to Chicago was canceled at the last moment so that Biden and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi could meet at the White House while their negotiators met on the Hill with Sinema.

Biden left much of his schedule open on Thursday to allow him to take part in negotiations.

Pelosi and Biden have been trying to win support for the infrastructure bill among progressives, who say they will not vote for it unless the House is also ready to pass a sweeping budget reconciliation bill to expand the social safety net and climate policy.

However, the Senate continues to debate fundamental elements of this bill. House progressives worry that they may lose all leverage in pushing moderates for a budget bill to transformatively fund the future if they vote to approve an infrastructure bill.

The Progressives insist on a minimum of $3 trillion in budget reconciliation bills. They also demand that provisions such as free preschool, community college, subsidies for child care, and an extension to Medicare to include dental, vision, and hearing care.

On Thursday, Manchin revealed a signed agreement that he had with Schumer over two months back in July. It outlines what Manchin will support for a budget bill.

Manchin’s maximum vote would be for $1.5 trillion.

On Thursday night, Manchin and progressives still seemed to be separated by more than $1 trillion.

Pelosi said to reporters that she was not trillions of miles apart as she left Capitol. Pelosi did not go into detail about the areas where they had come to an agreement.

Pelosi’s iron willed optimism contrasts with some of her coworkers’ hardnosed assessment about the chances for bipartisan infrastructure bills.

Pelosi’s deputy and House Majority Leader StenyHoyer was asked by a journalist on Thursday what his odds of passing Thursday’s infrastructure bill.

Are you certain it will succeed?  

Hoyer responded, “Nope!”

Many Capitol Hill residents believe Pelosi will get the votes to pass the bill.

She is renowned for her ability to reach consensus in a sometimes fractious Democratic caucus. Thursday was a high-stakes day with a ticking clock.

Pelosi stated to reporters that she would only tell them about negotiations at the final. You must weigh in at that point. Tire cannot be allowed. This is the hardest part. Here’s the best part.