President Obama’s call for bipartisanship rings louder

[toymachines]

President Obama’s call for bipartisanship rings louder
By Hoa Quach, SDNN

...Although Obama has always talked about bipartisanship, with an ambitious and incomplete agenda in front of him, he may have to implement it.

But this call to work along bipartisan lines is neither new to Obama nor to recent modern presidents. During his campaign, Obama pledged to work across the aisle, and SDSU political science professor Ronald King noted that most presidents don’t have the luxury of a filibuster-safe Senate. For example, former President George W. Bush lost the majority in 2006 and former President Bill Clinton lost the Democratic supermajority in 1994 in both the House and the Senate.

“There is nothing new here,” King said. “The Republicans are playing party-unity — which in turn challenges the Democrats to be unified in turn, plus to gain a few break-away Republicans. It is the same situation that was faced by all Democratic Presidents since World War II, with the Johnson exception noted.”

Additionally, Obama’s “thinking” isn’t unique from past Democratic presidents. King said he knows that “appealing to the middle and sounding bipartisan is the best way” to complete his agenda.

Rep. Brian Bilbray (R-Calif.) said he has noticed the “majority of Democrats” include Republicans in discussions but the “overall attitude” has been that Republicans are not needed.

With Scott Brown’s victory, Bilbray said, “The attitude will change dramatically and let’s face it — a pothole is not Democratic or Republican but it needs to get solved.”

Read more: http://www.sdnn.com/sandiego/2010-02-09/politics-city-county-government/president-obamas-call-for-bipartisanship-rings-louder#ixzz0f4UkqAvt

[ChicagoSuz219]

1. Maybe his new strategy will work...

...the republicans are coming off now not only as obstructionists, but as candyasses, as well.

Sooner, or later, the voters will notice... at least, I hope so.

[Demeter]

2. Bipolarism; It's humbug!

The grassroots implores: "Be a Man! Be a Democrat!"

Obama or rather, Rahm, has no ears for it. He is tone deaf.