The admiration of Abraham Lincoln, by modern American Presidents, is not unique to Barack Obama. Given Lincoln's status among our Presidents, admiration for him has become almost a political cliche. However Obama, more than most, seems to have a genuine desire to use Lincoln as a model for his own presidency. The "Team of Rivals" approach to governance is often cited as a nod to the Lincoln Presidency. But Lincoln's singular pursuit of the best interests of the nation, regardless of political philosophy, seems to be the trait which most attracts Obama. However it's important to note that the successes of Lincoln's often conciliatory approach to governance was built upon an unquestioned willingness to play the hardest of hardball whenever necessary.
Among the most famous words in the American political lexicon is the final paragraph of Lincoln's second inaugural address.
With malice toward none; with charity for all; with firmness in the right, as God gives us to see the right, let us strive on to finish the work we are in; to bind up the nation's wounds; to care for him who shall have borne the battle, and for his widow, and his orphan—to do all which may achieve and cherish a just and lasting peace, among ourselves, and with all nations.
Lincoln's appeal to the better angels of our nature, despite the horrors we have just endured, is a wonderful example of what we most wish for in our leaders, the ability to rise above politics and whatever may divide us, and inspire a nation to follow.
However the path Lincoln had navigated, in order to bring him to a place where such an appeal was possible, was of an entirely different character. His prosecution of the Civil War was oft times necessarily ruthless, as exemplified by its final chapter, Sherman's March to the Sea. During the War, there could be no compromise, no negotiation only complete victory. It was the only way to preserve the Union. Once complete victory was assured, only then could Lincoln's magnanimous vision be fulfilled.
I am in total accord with the President that bipartisanship should be one of the principal goals of his administration, not because it will directly yield better legislation, but because it will create the political environment where progressive ideas will eventually flourish. It will suck the oxygen from the hate mongering tactics of the right wing. But I believe you have to build a foundation that will allow bipartisanship to succeed before you attempt it. You have to win the Civil War before you attempt the reconciliation and reconstruction.
There is not one ounce of bipartisan feeling in the Republican party as it is currently constructed, and there is even less of that feeling in the Republican base, and in the Tea Party crowd. In its present incarnation, it is a party that relies too much on hate, racism and fearmongering, and it needs to stoke those emotions to survive, so to expect any sort of peaceful acquiescence in pursuit of a noble goal borders on delusional.
The President and the Democrats in congress are starting to make noises like they are finally realizing that they must pursue a more aggressive path. They need to pass legislation regardless of the Republican opposition. If Reconciliation is necessary, then that is the course which must be pursued. It should always be understood that Republican cooperation will always be welcome, but the legislation will pass even if it receives no Republican support. Ironically the only path to true bipartisanship may be through severe partisanship. The direct path simply does not seem to work.
The pursuit of civility and bipartisanship in Washington makes sense, not because of its benefits to the Democratic party, but because of its affect on the far right, which now controls the Republican party. But bipartisanship requires a partner, and when that partner realizes that his participation would be suicide, it's difficult to get his cooperation. In fact the only way to get his cooperation is to convince him that it would be suicide not to cooperate. And for the Republican party, that means making it clear that obstruction will not work. In other words, the Democrats would be best served passing the legislation which they have been contemplating.