you know this bi partisan stuff is crap. what the best consensus builders have done ( LBJ / Sam Rayburn / Tip O'Neil / the salamander & Clinton ) was bring the middle together from both sides to get things pasted. Hell LBJ got the voting rights act done with primarily R support. Arm twisting, horse trades, all really and that is what makes a democratic republic ( which is what we are NOT a democracy ) function.

You don't need the elected congress to get along or even do much but pass budgets, keep our asses safe, provide care for those who are unable to care for themselves and insure all citizens are equal. After that just stay the hell out of our lives.