We are all looking for indications that trends in DC may be moving away from partisanship and even signs that the two parties may be coming together on important issues (not likely with a heated election on the horizon). But there is a legitimate question to be asked around whether some partisans have “jumped the shark” and the overall annoyance with their actions is actually bringing both sides of the aisle together.
The most recent attempt to unseat the Speaker is a solid example of where partisanship and disruption is actually fueling bipartisanship, especially given the Democrats’ public opposition to the effort – not because of their love for the Speaker or his policies, but rather a bipartisan exhaustion with those driving the effort.
While this trend may not ultimately bring the bipartisanship that existed decades ago, there is some evidence of where Republicans and Democrats are coming together because it is best for the institution and, maybe, because they are tired of those needlessly creating division (not just between the parties but also within the parties). After all, both sides of the aisle joined together to pass the debt ceiling increase, multiple continuing resolutions to avoid a government shutdown, multiple funding packages for FY 24, a National Defense Authorization Act, and emergency spending bill to fund Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan – just to name a few.
Of course, some will look at that list and point out that some of those votes, although bipartisan, were lopsided with one party bring most of the votes. True. But bipartisanship is not having an equal number votes from both parties, it is having votes from both parties and that is exactly what it happening.
So, maybe blaming partisans for everything is unfair…it may have actually brought more bipartisanship to Congress.
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