Don't make me go to bed, and I'll be good

I've seen children do this frequently enough--it's bedtime, but they just don't want to go to bed. "Let me stay up to watch this program, and I'll do the dishes tomorrow" the kid might say. All too often, the parent, tired and ready for bed himself or herself, grants the request. 

Tomorrow comes, and after supper the parent says, "Now remember your promise--you said you would do the dishes tonight if I let you stay up and watch your program." 

"I can't--I have to go to the movies. Maybe tomorrow night."

I wish Republicans would nominate some grownups instead of little kids who will never agree to abide by a compromise they enter into; and I wish Democratic leaders would avoid playing the spineless parent of spoiled children.