Dear Commons Community,

Republican House Speaker John Boehner made a most significant comment yesterday on ABC’s This Week, when he said that he “absolutely trusts” President Barack Obama.  Furthermore, Boehner said that the two have a good relationship and that they’re “open with each other … honest with each other.” But that they also have some big differences.

To me this was an enormously important comment on Boehner’s part given that elements of his party absolutely refuse to compliment the President. Remember the vitriol that came from the Republican leadership and media when New Jersey Governor Chris Christie embraced and thanked Obama in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy.  It might just be symbolic but it is important for leaders of our two parties to demonstrate civility to and respect for one another.

Tony