Below the squiggly is my letter to the editor in Richmond, VA. The tone is not nearly as urgent and one-sided as I feel about this race, but I'm trying to appeal to the many moderates in this conservative town. I'd be really happy for Dems to get everything we want, but as a realist I know we are going to have to accept some compromises.
I do think this is an important and under-discussed point that will resonate with fence sitters who are looking for a bi-partisan approach. If you agree, please feel free to share.
Both Bush and Obama entered office declaring they would have bi-partisan presidencies, much like Romney is asserting now. But in this polarized climate that ideal is almost impossible to achieve. I am concerned that it will be even harder for Romney. His running mate is a “young gun” tea party supporter. If their candidate wins the white house, tea party members in Congress will likely feel emboldened in their demands, and be even less likely to compromise. With the Democratic Senate continuing its role as firewall to the Republican House, progress cannot be made without compromise on both sides of the aisle.
The consensus inside the beltway is that Congress is more likely to compromise if Obama is re-elected, because the Republican stonewalling strategy will have failed. This will be a relief, considering that Congress has done little more than name post offices since the tea party was ushered in during the 2010 election. Voters are craving compromise and results and I am afraid that with tea party demands on Romney, Congress will be unable to progress. If you feel the same way, I urge you to carefully consider this point before you vote.