News-Record.com

McCain joined Feingold for the McCain-Feingold law, with Ted Kennedy on immigration reform and with Sen. Lieberman on other issues. (Just a few examples.) Obama has rejected public-financing limits, promises to rehash the divisive issue of partial-birth abortion and seeks economic redistribution of earned income.

Whoever is president should work with opposing parties, putting the needs of this nation first rather than special/party interests, because our needs as a nation supersede the needs of factious special interests. That's something McCain has exemplified and which Obama has yet to do. Such true outreach would promote a better working environment in which all parties compromise and create a better USA. - Bartolet

I believe it will deepen the divide! McCain and Palin should not waiver on the issues they stand for. I would love to see my candidates reach out to the other party as long as it did not compromise his/her core beliefs in what is good for our nation. Don't think the two major parties will ever agree on the abortion issue, and of course the definition of middle America and taxes. Energy and health care could be a common meeting ground in the future though. Clearly defined battle lines will be necessary to identify why we are voting for that candidate and what we will expect from their promises.

So I guess I want it both ways -- reach out to the other party but still hold to their clearly defined battle lines. There should be room for compromise in all of the parties. - Davis

The candidates have very different views on how the country should be governed. Therefore, I don't see any type of "coming together" of the two parties. I would like to see the candidate I'm voting for to simply make decisions on what he thinks is best for this country and not what will make people happy. - Garvin

Initially there will be hard feelings no matter which party wins the election. The Democrats will be more likely to bridge the divide simply because their platform is already appealing to a broader demographic than the Republicans are. The next president should reach out to the rival party. Policies that have bipartisan support are more palatable to the American people. Being able to work with people who disagree with you is the mark of a great leader and a quality that will garner the respect of opposing colleagues and constituents. - Hamm

The candidates will do nothing to deepen the divide between the opposing parties. The guiding principle will be “do no harm." Both men should make overtures to others who can effect change in Washington. Politics should be a non-zero-sum strategy where viable solutions from any source are considered. The candidate with a policy leading to the imminent demise of business as usual wins this election. Great rifts between parties usually are neither created nor destroyed by a single person. Schisms are caused by such diverse dynamics that they are in a constant state of flux, making it impossible to achieve a consensus as to their resolution. Clearly defined battle lines are most often drawn in the sand, not etched in stone. And, I’m not entirely certain that either of the candidates wants inflexible lines of demarcation. - Kelly

During the presidential campaign it is important for the candidates to clearly define their priorities and how they intend to achieve them. We as voters need concrete information from the candidates, not character assassination of their opponents, on which to base our decisions. After the election, the president must then unite the various parties for the purpose of reviving our economy and restoring our leadership in world affairs. - Nielsen

Some of McCain's and Obama's recent decisions have deepened the divide between the two major parties. The selection of Sarah Palin as McCain's VP and the extreme nature of her own political history and political interests has managed to move the focus of the race, at least for the time being, onto a candidate's morals and values, rather than on either party's ideals and goals.Once the election is over, I think both parties -- including all newly elected representatives, along with the president -- have an obligation to remain true to the citizens that elected them. Neither should be expected to abandon completely the political ideals of their party, but I do expect that each should give some ground in the interest of compromise. Otherwise, whether it be President McCain or President Obama, none of either man's goals have a hope of being realized. - Peeples

Lively debate is nutrition for democracy; diversity of thought a national blessing. These days, “liberal” and “conservative” have become risque words, akin to a phycological poison to our collective identity. Both candidates use the fear factor -- from the economy to terrorism -- to influence opinion and draw party lines. While bipartisan cooperation is crucial, it is essential a president inspires the average American to think beyond political labels toward a wider conciliatory national identity. One problem: Candidates may personally want to build bridges but elements in both parties desire to homestead their base. We ache for a president who delivers bandages, not battle lines. - Sayed

Based on past performance John McCain has a proven record of reaching out to the Democratic Party, much to the displeasure of the Republicans. Barack Obama has been in the Senate for three years, most of which he has been running for President. In this period of time he has not worked with the Republicans on many issues. There are times that the two parties need to work together, particularly when national security is at stake. When we are threatened, as we are now, we need to circle the wagons and protect our nation. Other times, differences between the parties are healthy and need to be vigorously debated. These debates can lead to a close examination of the principals involved and the consequences of decisions. - Sigmon

Division=Election. They don’t pay millions to consultants for the ego-slam of losing! Candidates/parties thrive on division. They spend additional millions studying how to manipulate our fears and anger, turning out “their” voters.
Election=Power. Parties/politicians use their power mainly to get more power. And both sides lie. Obama should provide citizens with real information. grassroots-level inter-party debate could then produce effective policy, short-circuiting party interests. Here’re Democratic/Republican energy statements meant for us to parrot. Now hear this! Not one drop of US oil production is required to be consumed in America! (FAQ #10, American Petroleum Institute) Does that affect your opinion? - Weston