Men of Power

Two weeks ago, President Obama invited former President Clinton back to the White House for support on the bipartisan Tax Extension Bill and a Q&A session. President Obama surprisingly skipped town and let the former president hold the fort for as long as he wanted. 20 Minutes of Q&A followed.

I briefly met Senator Dodd on 92st and 3rd avenue in New York City on a cold winter night last year. I was walking across the street and I turned behind me for a reason I can't remember and I did a triple-take as I simultaneously recognized a face I saw on TV and tried to remember the name of the guy. As soon as I remembered, I blurted out his name "Chris Dodd!", he replied with a simple "Merry Christmas", seemingly unsurprised that this stranger came up to him. We shook hands and both went on our way. As I was walking away realized I forgot to address him by his title "Senator Chris Dodd", I hope he didn't mind.

After serving for 30 years, Senator Dodd gave his farewell speech earlier this week.

In the latter part of the speech he discusses the theory of bipartisanship and the fact that it is something that is achieved, something to be reached. Bipartisanship should not be the main premise of a meeting before every discourse because it does neither side justice for their cause. If both sides are willing to give up their principles and fundamental beliefs for the sake of agreeing with each other, what would the final agreement look like? I believe President Obama should realize this, and once he does he can truly regain control of the political discourse in the country.