Wednesday, Sept. 19, 2018 | 2 a.m.
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I agree with the Sept. 13 letter “We need leaders like McCain,” which praised the late Sen. John McCain for working with both sides of the aisle in the Senate.
However, this sentiment applies to both Donald Trump and Barack Obama. Prior to 2008, senators had a long history of working well together despite party affiliations.
Presidents Jimmy Carter, Bill Clinton and both Bushes were noted examples of their ability to work with senators and representatives of both parties.In fact, this cross-party cooperation dates at least to FDR.
Trump and Obama changed that. McCain stood up to his party’s president when Trump went off on divisive tangents and tried to bring some balance to government. Former Sen. Harry Reid, though, went from being a dynamic leader to a “yes man.” refusing to try to rein in Obama. No other Democratic senator was willing to assume that role with Obama, and most Republican senators are not willing to assume that role with Trump.
We need senators and representatives who can look beyond party politics and act in the best interests of the nation. I don’t see that happening with either party.
