President Obama met Friday with House Republicans in hopes of bridging the partisan divide that has emerged on countless pieces of legislation in the last year. I was fortunate to watch this rare moment of interaction between the White House and minority members of the Congressional House. The image reminded me of the system utilized in the U.K. where about parliament have routine meetings with the Prime Minister while members are given an opportunity to ask direct questions.  Implementing a similar procedure in the U.S. may help ease tension around communication, transparency, and consensus building. 

Although the interaction between Obama and House Republicans appeared contentious at moments, I believe the communication is a good first step towards finding common solutions on critical issues - jobs, health care, and the environment. Republicans asked a range of questions that I believe are on the minds of the American people, but I also felt that Obama responded with more clarity than I have observed in the last year.

In addition, the dialogue led to discussion around good ideas such as a "line item veto" that is being pushed under a bi-partisan bill co-sponsored by Paul Ryan and Russ Feingold. The provision will give the president a tool to surgically remove "pork" spending from important bills that may be related to national defense, homeland security, or entitlements.  "There's not a president out there who wouldn't love to have it," Obama responded when asked about his support for the measure.

I hope that Obama keeps to his promise of holding these discussions more frequently.  Not only with Republicans, but with members of his own party, so they can end the "partisan gridlock" in Washington and focus on what they were elected to do - help their fellow Americans.  The president is in Washington to represent all of America, liberals and conservatives, and I support any proactive efforts to close the divide on policy for the greater good of the people. 


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Obama Challenges GOP to Work With Democrats on Problems