The fact that Republican Congressman Steve Scalise (R-LA) invited Democrat strategist and a liberal contributor on the Fox News Channel to Joe Biden's inauguration will be criticized is a testament to how deep and ugly the political divide in America has become.
In my Zoom video interview with Donna Brazile about sharing her memories of Mardi Gras, she seemed so delighted to recount how Congressman Scalise invited her to the inauguration of Joe Biden. Brazile spoke of their friendship in spite of being polar political opposites. At one point, Brazile jokingly apologized to Scalise’s wife because she got his other ticket.
I found great comfort in the idea of a devout Republican and a devout Democrat sharing the peaceful transfer of power to a new president. This was very special in the wake of the January 6th storming of the Capitol by extremists and the controversy over the election results. But there are those who might see Scalise as a traitor - and that’s a sad commentary on politics in America.
We have become a nation that has evolved into partisan politics with being a Democrat or a Republican superseding being an American. The evidence of this is seen everywhere in our society.
America was founded on passionate political debate, but there was a time when judging each other as Americans first was the rule. The heated political competition between President Ronald Reagan (R) and House Speaker Tip O’Neill in the 80s was legendary, but in the end they were both willing to compromise and do what was best for the American people.
In the 90s, President Bill Clinton (D) and House Speaker Newt Gingrich (R) was fierce, and Gingrich’s Contract With America was part of the rise of the conservative movement. Some historians credit Clinton and Gingrich with starting the great divide that lives on today.
Throughout our history, America has been known to come together as Americans first, but the current temperature of political debate suggests that memberships in a political party trumps everything. The few times we have come together as Americans are short-lived, and we almost seem eager to return to our political tribes and continue the fight.
I applaud the example set by Republican Congressman Steve Scalise inviting Democrat Donna Brazile to the Biden inauguration - but I know that many people - on both sides - are appalled by it.
