Divided Government

Apparently John McCain's latest argument is that we need divided government. Since it looks pretty safe that Congress will remain in Democratic hands, we supposedly need a Republican president to check it.

This might come up at tonight's debate. Here's what I would say if I were Barack Obama:

"First of all, let's remember the good that could come of unified government. The good is that we might actually get some things done. People are frustrated with Congress. Congress has low approval ratings right now, because Congress isn't getting enough done. Well, why isn't Congress getting enough done? One reason is divided government. With a Republican President and a Democratic Congress, it's tough to agree on anything. With a unified government, we can get things done and make the changes we need to make.

"Unified government also means responsibility. Divided government means each side can blame the other for not getting things done. If you put the Democrats in charge of Congress and the White House, then we're responsible. We're responsible for what we do, and if you don't like it, you can vote us out next time.

"Is there any danger to unified government? Sure. There's some danger of things going too much to one side. But I'll be there to check Congress. I'm interested in good ideas and good government. If Congress goes too far in one direction, I'll rein it back."