Carl P. Leubsdorf

The two Texans who head the Republican congressional campaign committees showed last weekend that, where federal finances are concerned, it's easier to raise questions than provide answers.

During the 2008 campaign, President Barack Obama justifiably drew praise for his calm and decisive reactions, both substantive and political, to unanticipated events, from disclosures of his pastor's racist comments to the deepening financial crisis.

Over the next two weeks, a Republican state convention in Utah and a GOP primary in Kentucky will produce the first important verdicts on the highly publicized conservative challenge against the party's establishment.

Whatever happened to the concept of political compromise?

Back in the 1960s, when President Lyndon Johnson needed help passing important legislation, he'd invite Senate Republican Leader Everett Dirksen to the White House, and they'd cut a deal. Johnson got his bill, perhaps revising a provision or two. Dirksen landed a presidential appointment or perhaps funds for an Illinois project.

In announcing his retirement from the Senate, Evan Bayh put his finger directly on what many people think is the biggest problem facing the American government.

"There is too much partisanship and not enough progress -- too much narrow ideology and not enough practical problem-solving," the Indiana Democrat said. "Even at a time of enormous challenge, the people's business is not being done."