A Dialogue Across the Aisles

When I sat down to watch President Obama's recent televised discussion with House Republicans on health care, the economy and other pressing national issues, I expected either a snoozer or a bloodbath.
 
Instead, for an hour and a half, the President took questions from a party sharply opposed to almost all his policies, and answered them thoughtfully and honestly. Both sides were respectful, but pointed. Most importantly, everyone seemed to actually be listening to one other, as though there were genuine interest in reaching meaningful compromise. It was riveting television and groundbreaking politics, so much so that a mass movement is begging the (surprisingly) reluctant President to do it more.
 
Why has it sparked such a fervor?
 
For one, it marked a rare moment of bipartisan courage. Republicans and Democrats have no problem attacking each other via sound bites or TV ads. But an open discussion about ideological differences? No way. The reason, it seems, is simple: It's much easier, and less risky, to rally the troops with emotions than with intellectual honesty. But that doesn't mean it's better.
 
If these types of Q&A sessions became regular, it would fundamentally change the electoral and political process in the future. If people knew the politician they elected would have to hold their own against hundreds of people from the opposing party, without sounding stupid or getting defensive, candidates who played to the lowest common denominator would be kicked to the curb. There would be a premium placed on open-mindedness and the ability to compromise, both of which are sorely lacking from American politics today. And it would help shape a transparent government, a concept that seems almost oxymoronic in the post-Bush years.
 
So, a plea to Obama: Please start doing these more often. For too long, our system has been heading down a path of increasing partisanship, of politics over principle. A little more listening and talking could go a long way--and it's our generation of voters that would most richly reap the benefits.
 
If you liked this piece on the recent GOP Q&A with Obama, read this post on the climate change discussion.
 
(Photo by jurvetson; C.C. 2.0)