In an unusual and lively exchange at a conference in Baltimore on Friday, President Barack Obama and Congressional Republicans sparred over a range of policy issues.
In the first part of this video, President Obama answers questions from Republicans about the budget, health care reform and bipartisansip.
"We've gotten caught up in the political game in a way that's just not healthy. It's dividing our country in ways that are preventing us from meeting the challenges of the 21st century," President Obama said.
In the second part of this video, NewsHour correspondent Judy Woodruff talks to Republican Representative Jeb Hensarling, about how he felt about the president's exchange with Republicans.
Quotes
"I am optimistic. I know many of you individually. And the irony, I think, of our political climate right now is that, compared to other countries, the differences between the two major parties on most issues is not as big as it's represented. But we've gotten caught up in the political game in a way that's just not healthy. It's dividing our country in ways that are preventing us from meeting the challenges of the 21st century." - President Barack Obama
"We've got to be careful about what we say about each other sometimes, because it boxes us in, in ways that makes it difficult for us to work together, because our constituents start believing us. They don't know sometimes this is just politics, what you guys, you know, or folks on my side, do sometimes. So, just a tone of civility instead of slash-and-burn would be helpful." - President Barack Obama
"I'm afraid that many on [the president's] side of the aisle believe that bipartisanship is: Here's our legislation. And, if you don't vote for it, then you're against it." - Rep. Jeb Hensarling
Warm Up Questions
1. What are some ways that two people who see things differently work out their differences?
2. Is it harder or easier for groups to work out differences than individuals? Explain.
3. What policy issues do President Obama and Congression Republicans currently disagree on?
Discussion Questions
1. How would you describe the tone of this video?
2. What was different about this session versus other televised political events?
3. What did you learn from this video? Did anything surprise you?
4. Do you think the President or the Republicans came off better in this discussion? Explain your answer.
5. What was your impression of President Obama's responses to questions from GOP representatives? Do you agree or disagree with any of his points?
Additional Resources
