MAKING THE BETTER THE ENEMY OF THE BEST:

Daschle Takes Parting Shot as Congress Breaks (ALISON MITCHELL, October 19, 2002, NY Times)

With Congress leaving the capital for a last bout of campaigning, Senator Tom Daschle, the majority leader, today blamed President Bush for a "very disappointing Congress" and said the nation was in worse shape than when Mr. Bush took office. [...]

The sharp tone highlighted the lost promise of the 107th Congress, which came into office after the tumultuous 2000 election as the most closely divided Congress since the Eisenhower administration.

From the start, the central question was whether the split decision of the voters would lead to sharp partisan deadlock or a pragmatic period of centrist compromise.

Republicans controlled the presidency and both houses of Congress for the first time in nearly 50 years, which could have led them to seek to push through their agenda.

On the other hand their hold on power was razor-thin, and Mr. Bush had signaled on the campaign trail that he might seek accommodation. He showcased his good relations with Texas Democrats and he repeatedly pledged to "change the tone" in Washington.

The tone did change noticeably after the Sept. 11 attacks when the nation felt threatened on its own shores, and at moments Democratic leaders have made common cause with Mr. Bush on education and national security.

Moreover, the Congress did have notable achievements - and might yet have more when it reconvenes in November for a lame-duck session.

The House and Senate overhauled the nation's campaign finance and electoral systems and created new rules on corporate responsibility.

Congress gave President Bush the "fast track" authority to negotiate trade deals that can only be approved or rejected by Congress. It passed a landmark education law. It approved Mr. Bush's signature $1.35 trillion, 10-year tax cut.

After Sept. 11, it authorized force first in Afghanistan and, just this month, in Iraq. It gave the Justice Department new powers to fight terrorism, toughened airport security and helped the strapped airline industry.

No matter how much of that record you agree with, it is certainly one of the most productive Congresses in U.S. History. For our money, the tax cut, Fast Track, and two declarations of war make it one of the best ever. Posted by Orrin Judd at October 19, 2002 7:35 AM