This is why demanding bipartisan solutions doesn't work

James Fallows writes:

I got this note from someone with many decades' experience in national politics, about a discussion between two Congressmen over details of the stimulus bill:

"GOP member: 'I'd like this in the bill.'

"Dem member response: 'If we put it in, will you vote for the bill?'

"GOP member: 'You know I can't vote for the bill.'

"Dem member: 'Then why should we put it in the bill?'

In most countries with parliamentary systems, this is how it works - the government/majority proposes a bill, and the loyal opposition all oppose it. However, in those countries, the bill then passes by majority vote, and the majority is then held accountable - either lauded and reelected if people like the bill, or turned out of office if they don't.

In the US Senate, we're stuck with a system where there is increasing lock-step party-line voting, and no real negotiation, but where the "majority" can't pass its bill because it needs a supermajority vote. As we're seeing, this is a recipe for gridlock and chaos.