Originally published November 16, 2008 at 12:00 AM | Page modified November 16, 2008 at 12:56 AM
Comments (0)
E-mail article
Print view
Editorial
Obama-McCain, a symbolic meeting
Monday's meeting between President-elect Barack Obama and Sen. John McCain provides hope that the new administration will work in a bipartisan fashion. The meeting could be the beginning of a healthy across-the-aisle relationship that can only help with some of the economic adjustments that must be made.
PRESIDENT-elect Barack Obama and longtime Republican challenger Sen. John McCain meet Monday in Chicago, their first face-to-face encounter since the election. The gathering holds promise for the American people.
Obama pledged in his Election Night speech to be a president for everyone, including voters who supported his opponent. By meeting with McCain, he extends an olive branch to Republican voters who see two grown-up candidates sharing ideas. That was a long, bruising campaign and now the healing must begin.
"It is well known that they share an important belief that Americans want and deserve a more effective and efficient government, and will discuss ways to work together to make that a reality," said Obama spokeswoman Stephanie Cutter.
So even if it is merely a step toward better working relations between Obama and a key Republican senator, the meeting is positive.
The economic problems our country faces cry out for ideas and cooperation from every quarter. For example, it appears the $700 billion bailout supported by McCain and Obama is not working as intended. Banks are hoarding the money and not loosening lending sufficiently.
The new president and Congress will have to fine-tune the package by working across party lines.
The meeting between Obama and McCain is happening in part because friends of the two agreed early on to get them together: Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina is a pal of McCain, and Rep. Rahm Emanuel is the Illinois Democrat whom Obama tapped as chief of staff.
The meeting is a good idea for its symbolism of rapprochement and for any nitty-gritty ideas that can be shared to help our nation's gasping economy.
Copyright © 2008 The Seattle Times Company
More Editorials & Opinion headlines...
E-mail article
Print view Share:
Digg
Newsvine
Leonard Pitts Jr. / Syndicated columnist: A tragic clash of cultures

Opening day at Crystal Mountain
Skiers crowded the slopes at Crystal Mountain for one of the resort's earliest openings.
nwjobs

Post a comment

Michelle Goodman blogs about work/life balance.
How to tell your office you're gravely ill
Post a comment
nwautos

Choosing a new sedan? Weigh the impact of your choice on your wallet and on the planet.
Post a comment
- Homeless man, 46, arrested in Greenwood arsons
- KVI talk radio host off the air as of Thursday
- Steve Kelley | ESPN's Bill Simmons gets us: He hates Clay Bennett, too
- Police investigate videotaped arrest
- Seattle U. Men's Hoops | Big recruit goes from Huskies to Redhawks
- Mariners sign Jack Wilson to 2-year contract
- Razor found in muffin an accident, 'mortified' baker says
- Suspect's family shaken by slaying of police officer
- Mountlake Terrace woman reports razor in muffin
- Man says he will protest city's gun ban by carrying gun into community center
- Police investigate videotaped arrest
634 - Seattle man to pack a pistol into community center to protest mayor's ban
290 - OSU game thread
241 - Light rail to airport to begin Dec. 19
178 - KVI talk radio host off the air as of Thursday
143 - Mariners sign Jack Wilson to 2-year contract
140 - Wright State game thread
97 - NYC trial for 9/11 suspects poses risks
96 - Rang says Locker not ready for NFL
85 - Band of advocates, activists now McGinn's likely insiders
80
- Light rail to airport to begin Dec. 19
- Homeless man, 46, arrested in Greenwood arsons
- Ivar's undersea billboards a hoax devised as marketing ploy
- Light rail to airport to begin Dec. 19
- Steve Kelley | ESPN's Bill Simmons gets us: He hates Clay Bennett, too
- An 802.11n upgrade could make a big difference
- KVI talk radio host off the air as of Thursday
- Washington in race for federal education funds
- Police investigate videotaped arrest
- Goodwill's Glitter Sale is Nov. 14-15





