[DPB101]

the old arrangements. . . placed a heavy emphasis on comity and the search for the political center

Bzzzzttt. Wrong answer E.J. Dionne. Ten years ago, you might have gotten away with that but no longer. Not with the internet. A somewhat chatty but detailed synopsis of action in the House of Representatives during that period of "comity" of which you speak:

CONGRESSIONAL OBSERVER PUBLICATIONS--1993 House Sessions

The "comity" displayed toward the Republican minority was slightly above the level a mangy cur with gas gets--Democrats did allow Republicans inside the building. But that was the extent of it.

[nopardons]

Old E.J. is an ultra LIBERAL hack, who only managed to make himself worthwhile/useful, when he went after Clinton and his scandals. Otherwise, he is a propagandist ( read LIAR )of the old Pravda school. This article doesn't even reach the level of a " Potemkin Village "!

"Comity" ? "Partisanship" ? In Congresses from the times of FDR through Clinton ? Not in this particular demension and universe !

The Dems and E.J. are just so flumoxed by being out of power, that they have imploded and been reducede to whinging, whining, non sequitors, victimhood, and insane ravings. I, for one, am thoroughly enjoying the show. :-)

[sam_paine]

WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!

[Freee-dame]

The "comity" displayed toward the Republican minority was slightly above the level a mangy cur with gas gets--Democrats did allow Republicans inside the building. But that was the extent of it.

Back then too many Republicans were happy just to be part of the congressional elite. They were meek as the minority and thoroughly unprepared for the constant nastiness of the Rats when they became the minority.