The Trouble with Bipartisanship

A CNN/Opinion Research Poll released today indicates that 67% of Americans believe Republicans aren’t doing enough to cooperate with Pres. Obama. Don’t get too excited, Democrats.

The historical data suggests that over the last year 7% more Americans blame Republicans for the lack of bipartisanship, while 27% more Americans blame Pres. Obama for not doing more to work with Republicans in Congress. Further, while the country is split over which Party is more to blame for the lack of cooperation in Congress, 54% of Americans believe that Democrats should take the first step towards bipartisanship by giving up some of their proposals.

Yes, after a year in which the Democrats and President Obama consistently invited the Republican Party into negotiations on major legislations (Stimulus Package and Healthcare, e.g.) only to have Republicans turn around and not vote for the bill or, worse, threaten to filibuster, the Democrats carry more blame for the lack of bipartisanship. Such is the danger of tilting at bipartisan windmills. Better to use bipartisanship as a cudgel and get what you want, than to have the football pulled out.