Seriously, can we just give up on bipartisanship all ready?

[Kyle Curtis]

Pathetic, real-life exchange between two Congressmen on Capitol Hill, c/o James Fallows:

“GOP member: ‘I’d like this in the bill.’

“Dem member response: ‘If we put it in, will you vote for the bill?’

“GOP member: ‘You know I can’t vote for the bill.’

“Dem member: ‘Then why should we put it in the bill?’

And this is why any attempt towards bipartisanship is utterly worthless.

Over the past year, the GOP has proven themselves utterly incapable of legislating or providing one iota of political leadership. (And, no, releasing a 32-page health care billthat ignores the complexities and refuses to address the systemic nature of health care reform doesn’t represent “political leadership”- just simply legislative games.) If they can score political points by ignoring the struggles Americans face on a daily basis, then that’s the strategy they will pursue.

Of course, their supporters will state: “The Republicans are the only ones trying to protect America!” Which begs the question: If this is true, why isn’t John McCain President, with Mitch McConnell overseeing a 59-seat majority in the Senate?