1. Essential wisdom and insight reside on both sides of the aisle.
In 1992, Senators Sam Nunn (D-GA) and Richard Lugar (R-IN) reached across partisan lines to pass the law that created the Cooperative Threat Reduction program, which has been instrumental in helping Russia secure Soviet-era nuclear material and disarm older nuclear weapons. The Nunn-Lugar bill is a prime example of how bipartisan cooperation can yield significant results. This piece of legislation continues to inform many of our nonproliferation efforts today. The bill was a success due to the credibility and expertise Senators Nunn and Lugar brought to the process; it endures because of their ability to demonstrate to their colleagues that this was a truly bipartisan effort.

2. Our major challenges are too big for partisan solutions.
Both parties agree that there must be change in U.S. energy policies. We remain addicted to oil, sending billions of dollars every year to countries that do not share our values. To really enact meaningful change, and to finally break our dependence on foreign oil, Democrats and Republicans will have to work together on a strategy to develop clean, domestic energy supplies to power America into the 21st century. If the parties do not work together on energy independence, and similar significant challenges, then any gains will be bitterly fought and subject to changes in the political winds. We cannot afford temporary partisan solutions that are tossed out with every shift in power. We require long-term, effective solutions that have broad support within both parties and among the American people.

3. We are more effective when we speak with one voice in the world.
America’s standing in the eyes of the international community is at one of the lowest points it has been at in years. Only by presenting a unified voice to the world, will we be able to rebuild our reputation in the global community. After eight years of divisive and partisan politics, Americans need to work together to repair our public image. A strong, unified voice will allow the U.S. to show the world that we are ready to lead the way to solve the biggest problems facing the world. This starts with the rhetoric and actions of our elected leaders.

4. Congress must be united to reassert its Constitutional role.
The Legislative Branch has seen its Constitutional powers significantly eroded over the last eight years. In order to reassert itself, both Democrats and Republicans must work together to turn back the tide of what has been an unprecedented use of Executive privilege. The integrity of the institution and the importance of separation of powers should trump partisan disagreements.

5. Political Power is a Double-Edged Sword.
Every period in which one party has held power and been excessively partisan has eventually led to ineffective policies, corruption, low approval ratings, and an eventual landslide kicking them out of power. Bipartisanship is the antidote.

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