Post Partisan

I'll be honest, I've never really been sure what the hell "post partisan" is supposed to mean, but a commenter at the Washington Monthly gave what I thought was a great description:

It is worth stating here that no one is completely conservative or completely progressive. Even the most gun-loving, gay-bashing conservative will have an issue or two where he or she is moderate to liberal. Take Dick Cheney (please...HA! Sorry, couldn't resist!) for example. No sane person would call him moderate or liberal, but because of his daughter's sexual orientation, he leans to the center-left on gay rights.

THIS is what Obama means when he uses the term "post partisan." It isn't some kumbaya love-in mentality. It is the recognition that, for virtually everyone, there is something on which they can agree. Fostering good will now makes it more likely that when that special issue comes up for each member of Congress, the President will be able to draw on those legislators who agree.