Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Doing Bi-partisanship well.

The last time the nation's well being hung in the balance there was an interesting outcome facilitated by the Political Right Wing media.

The Affordable Care Act was debated as the Democrats were plundered by the media despite their good work. The Right Wing media sought out a soldier for their cause and provided every opportunity for him to be a wedge issue all by himself. As a result his attitudes and statements became toxic in the next election. There was no sound reason for the high disapproval public rating of The Affordable Care Act. It was after the constitutionality of the law was resolved the public opinion finally saw the political circus rendered during the entire time.

The Huffington Post and Roll Call (click here) are both reporting that Joe Lieberman notified Harry Reid that he will filibuster health-care reform if the final bill includes an expansion of Medicare. Previously, Lieberman had been cool to the idea, saying he wanted to make sure it wouldn't increase the deficit or harm Medicare's solvency (and previously to that, he supported it as part of the Gore/Lieberman health-care plan)....

The President is absolutely correct in his methodology in resolving the fiscal problems of the nation. He is taking the lead. He is meeting with representatives of our economy, including Small Business folks. I think that meeting was today. Can you imagine meeting with President Obama as a Small Business Owner, the most important aspect of the Obama economy, in the White House? Enviable. The brevity of his comments were extremely important. Awesome responsibility.

But, President Obama, being the brilliant man he is, has taken a sincere path to understanding the impacts of the economy on all aspects of our economy, including inviting Wall Street CEOs, too. But, taking his resolve to the people is very important. It is an overt way of leading the nation in a discussion and focus to resolve the country's problems. It is not a campaign; it is a way of saying "I am on the job and the Buck stops with me."

It is very important the resolve by the Congress is done well. This is vitally important and the 'end of the road' strategy of the Republicans cannot be a viable answer to these issues. So, while I sincerely believe waiting for the next Congress to convene a far better opportunity for real talent to act in the interest of the country, it has to be done well. There is a lot at stake. I believe the meetings by the President also examined the possibility of waiting for the next Congress and asking everyone for patience with the process. At least I would expect President Obama to leave no stone unturned to that possibility. 

The Democrats have to talk to the nation through this effort by the party. I believe the leaders of the Democrats in the Senate and House can find real partners when working across the aisle. It is important that partnership is shared politically as well as 'just in the numbers.' I also believe anyone reaching across the aisle will find there is a real political uptick for conducting themselves exactly that way. All anyone has to look to as an example is Governor Christie.

It is important to the nation bi-partisanship is done well. They want thi8s. They want their government to work and they don't want to be angry about it. They want to be satisfied to the final outcome. I believe the Democrats are more than capable of the discussion necessary with the nation to close the door on these important resolutions. The tax reform, preserving our entitlements in meaningful ways and reducing the national debt.

I wish them all well. They should know they have the hope of a nation that wants a great leader in the White House and a Congress that can get the job done. I want the Dems to shine in their outreach and give the folks back home the show they are hoping for. 

We can do this. Oh, yes we can.