1.   Both presidents also argued that the war, which ended in bitter stalemate, was the first step toward the end of the cold war.

2.   By August, negotiations ground to a bitter stalemate.

3.   The situation appeared in danger of bitter stalemate at a new, more punishing level for both populations.

4.   The White House and Congress are locked in a bitter stalemate over federal spending.

5.   However, its presence could provide both sides an opportunity to float ideas and an impetus to change an increasingly bitter stalemate.

6.   The Republican-led House of Representatives overwhelmingly approved a spending compromise plan Thursday, voting to end months of bitter stalemate with the White House over budget priorities.