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Across the Aisle
Why Bipartisanship Works for America
Edited by Jill Long Thompson
Contributions by Marcy Kaptur, Trent Lott, Tom Daschle, John Harwood, Todd Young, Dan Glickman, Marjorie Randon Hershey, André Carson, Olympia Snowe, Allyson Y. Schwartz, Charlene MacDonald, Jason Altmire, Curt Weldon, Paul Helmke, Don Bonker, Richard W. Painter and Jill Long Thompson
Published by: Indiana University Press
208 Pages
- eBook
- 9780253070722
- Published: August 2024
$29.99
- eBook
- 9780253070739
- Published: August 2024
$29.99
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Bipartisanship has been essential to America's success throughout its history. Today, however, there seems waning interest by politicians in both parties to work together to address pressing issues and find solutions.
In Across the Aisle, highly respected Republicans and Democrats argue persuasively that, time and again, bipartisanship on the local, state, and national levels has proven integral to moving America forward. Citing numerous examples, the contributors convincingly demonstrate that in the past and even in the present, politicians have set aside their differences and achieved compromises that put their towns, states, and country first.
A compelling and inspirational reminder that a two-party system built on compromise and mutual respect is integral to a functioning democracy, Across the Aisle offers a lodestone for our divisive time.
Preface: Achieving Our Goals Through Bipartisanship, by Marcy Kaptur
Acknowledgments
Introduction: America is Facing a Crisis Point, by Trent Lott and Tom Daschle
Part I: Bipartisanship and America
1. Bipartisanship and a Stronger Democracy in American History, by John Harwood
2. Reflections on Bipartisanship, by Todd Young
3. Collaboration, Compromise, and Bipartisanship, by Dan Glickman
4. Why Bipartisanship Is Such Hard Work, by Marjorie Randon Hershey
Part II: Bipartisanship at Work
5. What Bipartisanship Really Looks Like, by André Carson
6. Bipartisanship and Leadership, by Olympia Snowe
7. Bipartisanship and Medicare Payment Reform, by Allyson Y. Schwartz and Charlene MacDonald
8. Legions of Cosponsors for the Military, by Jason Altmire
9. Public Safety Is Not a Partisan Matter, by Curt Weldon
10. Bipartisanship Needed to Reduce Gun Violence, by Paul Helmke
11. Working Together for a Healthier Environment, by Don Bonker
12. A Bipartisan Agenda for Defending Free Enterprise, Assuring Honest Government, and Fighting Climate Change, by Richard W. Painter
Afterword: Bipartisanship Is Essential to Democracy, by Jill Long Thompson
A former Congresswoman from Indiana, Jill Long Thompson taught ethics as a Visiting Clinical Associate Professor at the Kelley School of Business and the School of Public and Environmental Affairs at Indiana University Bloomington. Until 2015 she was board chair and CEO of the Farm Credit Administration, a position to which she was appointed by President Barack Obama. She is the author of The Character of American Democracy: Preserving Our Past, Protecting Our Future.
"Bipartisanship may not appeal to the most extreme voices of each party, but history teaches us that it is the only real path for meaningful change in this country. Fierce debate is the foundation of our country, but so is finding common ground. As citizens of this great democracy, each one of us has a responsibility to get involved and hold public officials accountable. Across the Aisle is a blueprint that allows all of us to do just that."
~Margaret Spellings, President and CEO of The Bipartisan Policy Center and former U.S. Secretary of Education
"In Across the Aisle, Jill Long Thompson and her distinguished fellow authors remind us of what I learned firsthand as a Senator: bipartisanship is more than a slogan. It's the driving force behind our democracy, and it's the only way we can make progress as a nation. Our greatest achievements have come when Republicans and Democrats have worked together. The same will be true in the years ahead."
~Roy Blunt, Former U.S. Senator
"This book of essays, assembled by my former colleague, contains invaluable information for present and future public servants at all levels of government to understand the essential role of bipartisanship in solving difficult problems."
~Richard Gephardt, Former U.S. House Majority Leader
"The greatest achievements of our nation have been built on robust bipartisan collaboration. No party has a monopoly on good ideas. Across the Aisle is a testament to the benefits and future promise of reaching across the aisle to solve America's most pressing challenges."
~William Frist M.D., Former U.S. Senate Majority Leader
"Jill Long Thompson's message in Across the Aisle and her discussion is clear: bipartisanship is not just possible but essential. At a time when political divisions seem insurmountable, Thompson offers a blueprint for how lawmakers and citizens alike can engage in productive dialogue and work towards solutions that benefit all Americans. Her emphasis on character, respect, and process should resonate across the political spectrum, reminding everyone that democracy thrives on inclusion, cooperation, and the constant striving for justice."
~Egberto Willies, Politics Done Right
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