Quote:
Originally Posted by Alex
I'll say it before and I'll say it again. What I am looking for in a political leader is not necessarily someone who will achieve unanimity.
I'll be happy to have one that is capable of pursuing their agenda without treating the opposition as a hated enemy. I currently support Obama for president and I fully expect that once elected I will disagree with the vast majority of his policy positions and proposals.
And he may not have shown an ability to transcend party differences in the Senate but he certainly has in the presidential race. I know a lot of Republicans who are for him and not in a cynical "drag out the race to the advantage of McCain" way, but they actually think he'll be a better president.
I've never understood the idea that bipartisanship is supposed to mean "even though you're on the other side of the aisle you'll support my point of view." I don't think transcending party requires that Obama ever endorse or support a single Republican issue, nor is the same required of McCain or whomever.
Now, whether Obama will actually achieve this change in tone and atmosphere I strongly doubt. I just don't think the other two will even try. And if he is elected I will politely and respectfully oppose his agenda where I disagree with it. And I'll ultimately be on the losing side of some and the winning side of others and if that can happen without being expected to hate the other side then I'll be happy.
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Totally in the "wish I had said that" category! Thanks!