Philosophically, the debate between two opposing sides of an issue will find truth within the common ground they come to find in the midst of their debate. In some, if not many cases, this truth is seemingly impossible to attain when two forces are adamantly opposed — and completely so — without open minds on both sides of the battle.

Within debate, there must be discussion — no matter how set in a stance, there must be some room for understanding the opposing force, some altruistic element.

It would seem as though politicians, who, by definition, lead careers debating in order to implement policy, would be familiar with the benefits of bipartisanship. Yet how many bills, during this state congressional session alone, have been tied up in partisan bicker? Citizens in all states will never benefit from policies, never see bills that are trapped in a limbo between politicians who are caught up on one or two hidebound spats. Rather than developing common ground to form bills for the good of the public, more and more often we see politicians working against one another.

While this is no new beef of ours, we’re pleased that it seems as though at least one politician is taking public steps to alleviate partisan tension. In the midst of harsh criticisms from leading congressional Republicans on his economic recession plan, Barack Obama has stepped forward to revive some common ground — or in the least, humanity — between Democrats and Republicans.

With social events including both Democrat and Republican guests, The New York Times reported that Obama is striving to do a bit more than win votes for his party’s stance on different issues. The hospitality he and the first lady have shown to members of both parties may introduce a new culture of tolerance and discussion to the political world.

Regardless of whether you voted for Obama, and whether you support his current legislation, we think something can be adapted from the acts of bipartisan kindness he’s shown in his time in office so far. Partisanship is good — it creates the challenge for one party to think from another’s point of view, and stimulates thought and progression. That said, Obama’s actions are saying that partisanship must maintain some level of “reaching across the aisle” and benevolence to avoid the deeply divided party lines that often hinder progress. We may not always like his politics, but we appreciate the values he’s introducing to the government, and we hope to see political life on all levels learn a bit from it.