Why can't politicians get along?

Dallas Morning News | Carl P. Leubsdorf:

“A generation ago, there were no fiercer combatants in the Senate's heated debates over Vietnam than two prairie state senators who rose from modest beginnings to become World War II heroes, congressmen, senators and eventually presidential nominees. But even then, Republican Bob Dole, a staunch war supporter, and Democrat George McGovern, a bitter critic, set aside strong views on Vietnam to advance a mutual goal of expanding government food programs so hungry Americans had enough to eat.”

Ed Cognoski responds:

History gives us other examples of such 'odd couples'. A recent surprise is the personal friendship and effective working relationship that has developed between former presidents Bush and Clinton, forged while working to raise money for tsunami and hurricane relief. Senators Ted Kennedy (D-MA) and Orrin Hatch (R-UT) have worked together on children's health and other legislation. President Reagan and Speaker of the House Tip O'Neill (D-MA) famously opposed each other in public, but swapped stories and jokes in private. President Johnson and Senator Everett Dirksen (R-IL) had a similar working relationship.

The current President Bush's relationships with the opposition party stand out in surprising contrast from these other examples. Or rather, his lack of relationships stands out. George W Bush is reported to be personable, informal, joking in social settings. His differences in this regard from the images of the nerdy Al Gore and stiff John Kerry were factors in his appeal to voters. As governor of Texas, he built a reputation for working with Democrats. In 2000, he ran as a "uniter, not a divider." So, why the moat and wall between the White House and Democrat leaders?

Two theories emerge. First, President Bush has had the luxury of a Republican Congress for most of his administration. He simply hasn't felt the need to work with Democrats. On the contrary, both of his presidential election campaigns skillfully used wedge issues to divide the electorate. And second, President Bush's style of humor tends to be sharp, sometimes hurtful. His habit of giving sometimes unflattering nicknames to those around him contrasts with President Reagan's self-deprecatory story telling. President Bush's humor is tolerated better by his staff, members of his own party, and those dependent on him for favors than by political opponents. Or at least, that's the view from this armchair psychologist. ;-)