For 5 years Obama heard the TP, and McConnell and Boehner say they won't lift a finger to help Obama, they won't help his presidency, or any of his policies. Many times they flat out said they wouldn't compromise with him about anything..
So now in 2013 Obama does NOT have to worry about reelection, IMO some of this hardball Obama is now playing is partially being fueled by revenge. Most of his hardball is because NO president should ever give in to extortion, that sets a bad example.. But I'm sure Obama is happier than hell seeing the GOP squirm.
What goes around comes around.